Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2021, Vol. 25 ›› Issue (9): 1324-1328.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.2095-4344.3757

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Effect of pronated foot posture on proprioception and postural stability based on foot posture index

Chen Zehua1, Ye Xiangling1, Chen Weijian1, Du Jianping1, 2, Liu Wengang1, 2, Xu Xuemeng1, 2   

  1. 1Fifth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510405, Guangdong Province, China; 2Guangdong Second Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Guangzhou 510405, Guangdong Province, China
  • Received:2020-03-06 Revised:2020-03-11 Accepted:2020-06-03 Online:2021-03-28 Published:2020-12-15
  • Contact: Xu Xuemeng, Professor, Chief physician, Doctoral supervisor, Fifth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510405, Guangdong Province, China; Guangdong Second Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Guangzhou 510405, Guangdong Province, China
  • About author:Chen Zehua, MD, Attending physician, Fifth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510405, Guangdong Province, China
  • Supported by:
    the Guangdong Provincial Special Fund for Industrial and Information Development, No. Guangdong Finance and Industry [2016]69; the Soft Science Research Program of Guangdong Province, No. 2018B020207009; the Science and Technology Plan Project of Guangdong Province, No. 2019A141401008; the Science and Technology Plan Project of Guangzhou, No. 202002030204

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Studies outside China have shown that there is a certain relationship between foot posture and posture stability.
OBJECTIVE: Based on foot posture index scale system, to compare the effect of pronated foot posture on postural stability and proprioception.  
METHODS: Thirty healthy youths aged from 20 to 30 years old were enrolled, and divided into two groups according to the right foot posture index: pronated group (foot posture index > 5) and neutral group (0 ≤ foot posture index < 5) (n=15 per group). The leg standing with single leg for a longer time was defined as the dominant leg, and the other was the non-dominant leg. The length and area of center of pressure sway were evaluated by dynamic and static balance instrument. The average trajectory error and completion time of lower limbs were recorded during proprioception measurement. This study was approved by the Guangdong Second Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital [YEZY(2019)LS50]. 
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) In 30 subjects, center of pressure sway length in dominant leg was significantly lower than that in non-dominant leg (P < 0.01), whereas average trajectory error was significantly larger in dominant leg than that in non-dominant leg (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in center of pressure sway area and completed time between two legs (P > 0.05). (2) When tested with single-leg (right side) static stance, sway area and length of pressure center were larger in pronated group than that in neutral group (P < 0.05), but proprioception including average trajectory and completed time was not significantly different between the two groups (P > 0.05). (3) When tested with two-leg static stance, sway length of pressure center was larger in pronated group than that in neutral group (P < 0.05); sway area of pressure center was not significantly different between the two groups (P > 0.05). (4) Results confirmed that foot posture exerts a significant effect on postural stability. Pronated foot can reduce postural stability, which will increase sports injury and the risk of fall in the elder.

Key words: foot, foot posture index, foot posture, pronation, stability, proprioception

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