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Does foot morphology influences postural control in people with multiple sclerosis?
Giulia Casu1, Micaela Porta1, Federico Arippa1
1Department of Mechanical, Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Cagliari, Piazza d'Armi, 09123 Cagliari, Italy.
Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders
|October 17, 2025
Summary
Foot arch height significantly impacts balance in people with Multiple Sclerosis (pwMS) without vision. High or low arches increase postural sway, suggesting foot structure is key for fall risk assessment and rehabilitation.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Biomechanics
- Rehabilitation Science
Background:
- Postural instability is a common challenge for people with Multiple Sclerosis (pwMS).
- Factors contributing to postural control deficits in pwMS are not fully understood.
- The foot-ground interface, including foot morphology, may influence balance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of foot morphology, specifically the medial longitudinal arch height, in modulating postural stability in pwMS.
- To determine if foot structure is associated with increased postural sway in individuals with Multiple Sclerosis.
Main Methods:
- 94 pwMS underwent concurrent assessments of postural sway and plantar pressure distribution.
- Postural sway was measured using center of pressure (COP) analysis during quiet upright stance.
- Foot morphology was classified (high, normal, low arch) using the Arch Index (AI).
Main Results:
- PwMS with high-arched and low-arched feet showed significantly increased postural sway compared to normal arches, but only when visual input was absent.
- Increased sway was indicated by larger sway areas, longer COP path lengths, and greater displacements.
- Foot morphology impacts balance control in sensory-deprived conditions for pwMS.
Conclusions:
- Foot morphology is a relevant factor in identifying pwMS at higher risk of balance impairments and falls.
- Analysis of foot structure may aid in developing individualized rehabilitation strategies for Multiple Sclerosis.
- Understanding the foot-ground interface is crucial for managing postural instability in pwMS.
