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Just saw a short segment on an afternoon television program regarding the differences between children with 'flat feet' and children with 'normal' feet. Thought it might make for some interesting reading.

http://www.science.unsw.edu.au/news/2005/flatfeet.html

This is only a short exert but thought it might make for some interesting discussion. If anyone has any more details about this research I'd love to see it.

Kim

 

Dear Kim,
In relation to the mentioned study, a larger study found somewhat th opposite??!!
see: Correlating Factors and Clinical Significance of Flexible
Flatfoot in Preschool Children
*Chii-Jeng Lin, M.D., Ph.D., *Kuo-An Lai, M.D., †Ta-Shen Kuan, M.D., and
‡You-Li Chou, Ph.D.
Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics
21:378–382

The researchers here found significant differences in a study of 377 children in performing physical tasks.
Food for thought!!

Tony Achilles

 

Dear Kim and Tony

Had a look at those two opposing papers and the main thing that was different in the subjects was age.
'Correlating factors and clinical significance of flexible flatfoot in preschool children' looked at children 2-6yrs whereas Dara Twomey's study looked at children 9-12yrs old. Could it be that 2-6 yr children who have not completed derotation of lower limb to mature position so that "flat foot" has a more significant effect on biomechanics.
Studies on plantar facia stiffness show that plantargrade feet have greater tension in the plantar facia then more supinated feet. This is in line with the principles of material elasticity in that more force is required to stretch a given material to a greater length.
Other studies have shown that muscle size of the triceps surae / Gastroc-soleous complex is proprtionately stronger and larger in relation to increased Achilless tendon stiffness. It might follow therefore that if there is consistently greater tension in the PF then greater stiffness is required in the AT (to maintain equilibrium about the ankle) and so greater GCS strength might be assumed. Could it be that stonger GCS and increased elastic energy storage in the AT = higher jumping ability.

Just my thoughts, Cheers Dave Smith.