MEDICINA SPORTIVA - Journal of Romanian Sports Medicine Society

Foot arch index during Janda's Short-Foot maneuver in subjects with excessively pronated feet

The purpose of this study was to examine the foot arch index during short-foot sensory-motor maneuver intervention in subjects with excessively pronated feet.
Material and Method. This study included thirty-five subjects with excessively pronated feet. Diagnosis of pronated foot was based on a valgus position of the heel (rear foot angle that was defined as the angle of the upper Achilles tendon and the distal extension of the rear foot) and a poor formation of the arch. At rest and during short-foot exercise feet of the children were scanned (while they were in a standing position) by using a plantar scanner. The Staheli Arch Index and Chippaux-Smirak Index were assessed before and during maneuver. Data were analyzed using a paired t-test.
Results. Research results showed a significant decrease in the Staheli Arch Index (p=0.000) and Chippaux-Smirak Index (p=0.000) during short-foot sensory-motor maneuver intervention.
Conclusion. Results from this study demonstrate short-foot maneuverers more effective in increasing the arch width and improves arch indexes. Therefore, the short-foot maneuverer and exercise is recommended for improving foot arch parameters in subjects with pronated feet.