Home

Many foot pathologies are typical for specific foot types. Since each foot type is characterized by particular foot structures, researchers Mootanah et al. embarked on a study to test whether foot structures are also related to specific foot functions. Evidence of this hypothesis could help with differential diagnosis of foot pathologies.

The team of researchers tested 61 healthy subjects featuring three different foot types (cavus, rectus, planus). Plantar loading parameters were assessed with a novel emed^® measurement platform, and several measures of foot structures, anthropometrics (height and weight), age, and walking speed were related to biomechanical measures of foot function. Mootanah et al. were able to confirm their hypothesis that foot structure and anthropometrics are related to foot function. These findings are basic measurements that could be used in a clinical setting.

Mootanah, R., Song, J., Lenhoff, M.W., Hafer, J.F., Backus, S.I., Gagnon, D., Deland J.T., and H.J. Hillstrom (2013)
Foot Type Biomechanics Part 2: Are structure and anthropometrics related to function?
Gait & Posture 37: 452–456