The relationship among foot posture, core and lower extremity muscle function, and postural stability

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Sports Medicine
• Human Movement Science

Background:

• Impaired balance is a known risk factor for lower extremity injuries.
• Research is ongoing to identify factors affecting balance in healthy individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the relationship between core and lower extremity muscle function, foot posture, and balance.
• To determine how these factors influence postural stability.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive laboratory study was conducted with 108 healthy participants.
• Core endurance, hip and ankle strength, and foot structure were measured.
• Single-limb stance balance was assessed using a force plate under eyes-closed conditions.

Main Results:

• Foot posture and ankle-inversion strength were significant predictors of mediolateral balance.
• Increased arch height and greater ankle-inversion strength were associated with reduced mediolateral single-limb stance balance.

Conclusions:

• Foot structure, specifically arch height, and ankle strength are associated with impaired balance control.
• Further research is needed to explore the link between balance, foot structure, and injury risk.
• The relationship between ankle strength and balance requires additional investigation.