Does Clubfoot Affect Sports Ability and Participation in Children?

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Sports Medicine
• Pediatric Rehabilitation

Background:

• Anecdotal evidence suggests functional differences in sports for children with unilateral corrected talipes equinovarus (TEV).
• Previous research has not comprehensively evaluated strength, balance, and performance in these young athletes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantitatively assess differences in strength, balance, and sports performance between the affected and unaffected limbs in children with unilateral TEV.
• To evaluate patient perception of their sporting ability using validated questionnaires.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study included 27 children (ages 8-15) with unilateral Ponseti-treated clubfoot.
• Strength, range of motion, and functional mechanics were measured using dynamometry, markerless motion capture, and forceplates.
• Patient-reported outcomes were assessed using PROMIS and OxAFQ-C questionnaires.

Main Results:

• Significant differences were found in ankle dorsiflexion force and lateral spine tilt during lunges.
• Minor differences were observed in single leg stance, jump height, and peak power, favoring the unaffected limb.
• Most performance measures showed no significant differences, and patient-reported outcomes were generally favorable.

Conclusions:

• Children with unilateral TEV demonstrate some measurable deficits in strength and balance, particularly in flexibility and jump height.
• The clinical significance of these small differences requires further investigation, especially the lack of established minimal clinically important differences (MCIDs).
• Despite minor objective differences, children with unilateral clubfoot report positive functional outcomes in sports participation.