[Functional stability of the vertical posture in children depending on foot arch condition]

Functional stability of the vertical posture was evaluated in 112 children aged 7-10 years with normal or flattened arch of foot and platypodia. The following parameters were measured in each child during 20 s by a Stabilan 01 computerized stabilograph: stabilogram, average frequency of centre of pressure changes, mean dispersion (R), oscillation period, and ellipse area (S). Children with flattened foot arch had lower vertical posture stability (estimated from amplitude characteristics of changes of the foot pressure centre, R and S) than those with normal foot arch or platypodia. Children of the latter group showed the highest stability and the minimal oscillation period. It is supposed that difference in functional stability of the vertical posture in children with different foot arch conditions is due to different mechanisms of its regulation. The above findings can be used to design orthopedic footwear compensating for impaired stability of the vertical posture in children with flattened arch of the foot.