Screening of flat feet in preschool children as prevention of postural disorders

Abstract

Objective: The objective of the present study was to verify the flat foot prevalence in Slovak preschool children by using the plantographic analysis. Methods: 210 healthy preschool children aged 4 to 6 years underwent podographic analysis by podoscope device. The plantograms were evaluated by Chippaux-Smirak indexing method. Probands were assigned to 4 groups based on flatness level. Results: The prevalence of flat foot deformity was 24% for the 1st level, 28% for the 2nd level, and 25% for the 3rd level of flat foot. 23% of children had no sign of foot flatness. Girls were affected less with the ratio of 1:1.3 girls to boys. Conclusions: The outcome indicates the significant occurrence of flat foot. All three stages of flat foot were present and the majority of probands were assigned to the second level flatness category. We recommend using the modern plantographic methodology for early flat food diagnostics based on its low time-consuming character, objectivity, and smart data storing possibility. The assessment method requires low psychological load for probands, it is painless and simple in nature.