title: Foot Type Biomechanics Part 2: are structure and anthropometrics related to function?
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Many foot pathologies are associated with specific foot types. If foot structure and function are related, measurement of either could assist with differential diagnosis of pedal pathologies.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Biomechanical measures of foot structure and function are related in asymptomatic healthy individuals.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixty-one healthy subjects' left feet were stratified into cavus (n=12), rectus (n=27) and planus (n=22) foot types. Foot structure was assessed by malleolar valgus index, arch height index, and arch height flexibility. Anthropometrics (height and weight), age, and walking speed were measured. Foot function was assessed by center of pressure excursion index, peak plantar pressure, maximum force, and gait pattern parameters. Foot structure and anthropometric variables were entered into stepwise linear regression models to identify predictors of function.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Measures of foot structure and anthropometrics explained 10-37% of the model variance (adjusted R(2)) for gait pattern parameters. When walking speed was included, the adjusted R(2) increased to 45-77% but foot structure was no longer a factor. Foot structure and anthropometrics predicted 7-47% of the model variance for plantar pressure and 16-64% for maximum force parameters. All multivariate models were significant (p<0.05), supporting acceptance of the hypothesis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Foot structure and function are related in asymptomatic healthy individuals. The structural parameters employed are basic measurements that do not require ionizing radiation and could be used in a clinical setting. Further research is needed to identify additional predictive parameters (plantar soft tissue characteristics, skeletal alignment, and neuromuscular control) and to include individuals with pathology.
authors.affiliation: Medical Engineering Research Group, Faculty of Science and Technology, Anglia Ruskin University, Bishop Hall Lane, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 1SQ, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Rajshree
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Mootanah
authors.forename: Jinsup
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Song
authors.forename: Mark W
authors.initials: MW
authors.lastname: Lenhoff
authors.forename: Jocelyn F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Hafer
authors.forename: Sherry I
authors.initials: SI
authors.lastname: Backus
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Gagnon
authors.forename: Jonathan T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Deland
authors.forename: Howard J
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Hillstrom
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000843:Ankle Joint / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D000886:Anthropometry; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D005260:Female; D005528:Foot / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology*; D005530:Foot Deformities / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005684:Gait / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008954:Models, Biological; D011312:Pressure; D016474:Weight-Bearing / Q000502:physiology; D055815:Young Adult