Abstract
Purpose: To determine the effect of foot arch structure on ankle muscle strength.
Methods: Forty-seven young female volunteers (94 feet) were classified in to low (LA), high (HA) and normal (NA) arch groups according to their arch ratio (AR) and Chippaux-Smirak index (CSI) values. The distribution of the participants among LA, HA and NA groups did not differ when AR or CSI was preferred for classification. Isokinetic muscle strength of ankle invertor/evertors and plantar/dorsal flexors was measured by using an isokinetic dynamometer. One-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation test and ROC curve analysis were used in statistical analyses.
Results: A strong correlation was found between AR and CSI values. Significant differences were found in mean strength measurements of ankle muscles in favor of NA group at 120°/s for dorsiflexion and plantar flexion, 120 and 150°/s for eversion and at 120°/s for the ratio between ankle inversion and eversion. Sensitivity and specificity rates of muscular strength as an indicator of arch anomalies were low.
Conclusion: Normal arched individuals have higher muscular strength values only at faster testing speeds