Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 3, 2026
08:24
Sit-to-stand-and-walk from 120% Knee Height: A Novel Approach to Assess Dynamic Postural Control Independent of Lead-limb
Published on: August 30, 2016
Reliability of capturing foot parameters using digital scanning and the neutral suspension casting technique
Matthew Carroll1, Mary-Ellen Annabell, Keith Rome
1Department of Podiatry, School of Rehabilitation & Occupation Studies, Health & Rehabilitation Research Institute, AUT University, Private Bag 92006, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand. matthew.carroll@aut.ac.nz.
Journal of Foot and Ankle Research
|March 8, 2011
Summary
Digital scanning offers a reliable method for measuring foot parameters, showing reduced variability compared to traditional casting techniques. This advancement benefits orthotic fabrication and clinical assessments.
Area of Science:
- Podiatry
- Biomechanical Engineering
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Traditional neutral suspension casting is a common method for foot impressions in orthotic fabrication.
- Digital scanning presents a modern alternative to conventional plaster casting methods.
- Assessing the reliability of these techniques is crucial for accurate foot measurements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the intra- and inter-rater reliability of digital scanning.
- To compare the reliability of digital scanning with the neutral suspension casting technique.
- To determine the measurement variability of six key foot parameters using both methods.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-one healthy participants were enrolled in the study.
- Two raters with varying experience obtained six casts and six digital scans per participant.
- Six foot parameters (length, width, arch height, alignment) were measured and analyzed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC).
Main Results:
- Digital scanning demonstrated high intra- and inter-rater reliability, with ICC values ranging from 0.81-0.99.
- Neutral suspension casting showed variable inter-rater reliability (0.57-0.99) and intra-rater reliability (0.36-0.99).
- Digital scanning exhibited lower measurement error across all investigated foot parameters.
Conclusions:
- Digital scanning is a highly reliable technique for measuring foot parameters, regardless of the clinician's experience.
- The study confirms reduced measurement variability with digital scanning compared to neutral suspension casting.
- Digital scanning provides a more consistent and accurate method for foot parameter assessment in clinical practice.
