Evaluating the Medial Longitudinal Arch of the Foot: Correlations, Reliability, and Accuracy in People With a Low Arch

• Published in: Physical therapy Vol. 99; no. 3; pp. 364 - 372
• Main Authors: Zuil-Escobar, Juan C, Martínez-Cepa, Carmen B, Martín-Urrialde, Jose A, Gómez-Conesa, Antonia
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Oxford University Press 01.03.2019
• Subjects: Comparative analysis; Foot; Foot movements; Health aspects; Measurement; Movements; Musculoskeletal tests; Physiological aspects; Posture
• ISSN: 0031-9023; 1538-6724
• DOI: 10.1093/ptj/pzy149

Abstract Background The medial longitudinal arch of the foot is a variable structure, and a decrease in its height could affect several functions and increase the risk of injuries in the lower limbs. There are many different techniques for evaluating it. Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate the correlations of the Navicular Drop Test, several footprint parameters, and the Foot Posture Index-6 in people with a low medial longitudinal arch. Intrarater reliability and interrater reliability were also estimated. Design This was a repeated-measures, observational descriptive study. Methods Seventy-one participants (53.5% women; mean age = 24.13 years; SD = 3.41) were included. All of the parameters were collected from the dominant foot. The correlation coefficients were calculated. The reliability was also calculated using the intraclass correlation coefficient, 95% CI, and kappa coefficient. Results Statistically significant correlations were obtained between the Navicular Drop Test and the footprint parameters, with r absolute values ranging from 0.722 to 0.788. The Navicular Drop Test and the Foot Posture Index-6 showed an excellent correlation (Spearman correlation coefficient = 0.8), and good correlations (Spearman correlation coefficient = |0.663–0.703|) were obtained between the footprint parameters and the Foot Posture Index-6. Excellent intrarater reliability and interrater reliability were obtained for all of the parameters. Limitations Radiographic parameters, the gold standard for evaluating the medial longitudinal arch height, were not used. In addition, the results of this research cannot be generalized to people with normal and high medial longitudinal arches. Conclusions In participants with a low medial longitudinal arch, the Navicular Drop Test showed significant correlations with footprint parameters; correlations were good for the arch angle and Chippaux-Smirnak Index, and excellent for the Staheli Index. The Foot Posture Index-6 showed an excellent correlation with the Navicular Drop Test and a good correlation with the footprint parameters evaluated. All of the parameters showed high reliability.