The effects of low arched feet on lower limb joints moment asymmetry during gait in children: A cross sectional study.

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of flexible flat feet in children was reported to be up to 20% in previous studies. However, the role of foot type in the development of musculoskeletal injuries is less clear, particularly in children. The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in the joint moment asymmetry in children with flexible flat feet and healthy matched control subjects.

METHODS

Fourteen male children with flexible flat feet and 15 healthy control subjects served as the sample of the study. Three dimensional kinematics and kinetic data were collected using a Vicon camera system and two Kistler force platforms during walking. Then between-limb asymmetry was examined for each joint moment.

RESULTS

Normal individuals experienced higher asymmetry in the ankle eversion and the external rotation moments than the flat feet group. Asymmetry indices in the knee abduction, adduction, and the internal rotation moments in the flat feet group were higher than that in the normal group by 15%, 24% and 13%, respectively. Furthermore, in comparison of the two groups, individuals with flat feet had higher asymmetry in the hip flexion moment as well as the hip abduction moment.

CONCLUSIONS

In order to provide appropriate protocols or footwear design for male children with flat feet, clinicians need to understand that flat feet children do not have higher levels of joint moment asymmetry as compared to normal children in all joints and all planes; consequently, they must differentiate their treatments for each specific joint. However, further larger study is warranted.