Foot arch index during Jana's Short-Foot maneuver in subjects with excessively pronated feet

Headnote

Abstract. The purpose of this study was to examine the foot arch index during short-foot sensory-motor maneuver intervention in subjects with excessively pronated feet. Material and Method. This study included thirty-five subjects with excessively pronated feet. Diagnosis of pronated foot was based on a valgus position of the heel (rear foot angle that was defined as the angle of the upper Achilles tendon and the distal extension of the rear foot) and a poor formation of the arch. At rest and during short-foot exercise feet of the children were scanned (while they were in a standing position) by using a plantar scanner. The Staheli Arch Index and Chippaux-Smirak Index were assessed before and during maneuver. Data were analyzed using a paired t-test. Results. Research results showed a significant decrease in the Staheli Arch Index (p=0.000) and Chippaux-Smirak Index (p=0.000) during short-foot sensory-motor maneuver intervention. Conclusion. Results from this study demonstrate short-foot maneuverers more effective in increasing the arch width and improves arch indexes. Therefore, the short-foot maneuverer and exercise is recommended for improving foot arch parameters in subjects with pronated feet.

Key words: medial longitudinal arch, short-foot exercise, pronated feet.

Introduction

One of the most commonly discussed topics in the pediatric orthopedic realm, are the postural changes of the feet. With regard to the arch of the foot, the foot has a pronated and supinated structure, and it can affect proprioceptive inputs through the movement of joints, changes in the contact area, and muscle strategy for maintaining the stability of the support base (1). Flat feet have excessive subtalar joint pronation. Kernozek et al. (1990) have reported that individuals with flat-arched foot have significantly higher pronation in stance than high-arched individuals (2). In the case of flat feet, instability and damage to the lower extremity cause hypermobility and passive instability (1), and more neurological control by the neuromuscular system is required to maintain stability and balance. Thus, while the feet are supporting the body weight, the instability resulting from a flat foot could cause patho-mechanical problems as well as a compensating action in the close kinematic chain of the lower extremity (3). Excessive pronation transmitted to internal rotation of the tibia, may cause overloading of the knee joint or may be the cause of...