Abstract:

Objective: The foot is the endpoint of the lower extremity kinetic chain and the role of the anthropometric measurements of the plantar sole in postural steadiness has not been established well. This study aimed to assess the association between plantar sole dimensions and body sway. Materials and Methods: One hundred ten young healthy volunteers were recruited for the study. The postural stability was measured using the modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance and the Tandem Stance test on a force platform. Anthropometric assessments were performed on a digital footprint image that was recorded by the same force platform. Maximum foot length, maximum foot width, heel width, medial longitudinal arch width, total contact area, foot index, Clarke’s angle (CA) and Staheli Arch index (SAI) were recorded. Results: Foot length and foot width had the reverse relationship with body sway when visual and somato-sensory inputs were limited. Postural stability was better with increasing foot contact area in cushioned and eyes closed conditions. Postural stability worsened with increasing values of SAI and CA when somato-sensory and visual inputs limited. Conclusion: This study revealed that plantar sole dimensions and foot postural influence balance, especially when the somato-sensorial and visual systems are challenged together.

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