Reliability of the transverse arch of the forefoot as an indicator of foot conditions

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the intra- and inter-tester reliabilities of transverse arch length (TAL) standing position and lower leg maximum anterior tilting (LMAT) position. [Subjects] Eight subjects who were free from lower extremity injury at the time of testing and three testers participated in this study. [Methods] TAL was measured 3 times in each trial both in the standing position and the LMAT position. Three trial repetitions were performed at 1-hour intervals. Test-retest reliability was established using the ICC (1, k) model and data from the first to the third trials. Inter-tester reliability was established using the ICC (2, k) model and the averages of the first to third trials of each tester. [Results] In the standing position, intra-tester reliability was good or sufficient for use in a clinical setting. Inter-tester reliability was sufficient for use in a clinical setting. In the LMAT position, intra-tester reliability was excellent or sufficient for use in a clinical setting. Inter-tester reliability was good. [Conclusion] We suggest that it is possible to easily assess the flexibility of the transverse arch of the forefoot using the technique we describe here.