Relationship between foot alignment and floating toes classified in static and dynamic conditions in females

Abstract

[Purpose] This study aimed to investigate the plantar contact condition in females and to clarify the relationship between the foot alignment and floating toes classified in static and dynamic conditions. [Participants and Methods] The participants were 122 females. We evaluated the plantar contact condition, calculated the floating toe score, and classified the floating toes of the participants. The floating toes were classified into improvable and unimprovable floating toe groups based on the floating toe score measured in dynamic conditions. Furthermore, foot alignment was evaluated in 35 participants randomized and extracted from the contact toe and the improvable and unimprovable floating toe groups. [Results] The Arch Height Index in the unimprovable floating toe group was significantly smaller than that in the improvable floating toe group. The digitus minimus varus angle in the unimprovable floating toe group was significantly larger than that in the improvable floating toe group. No significant differences were observed in other items. [Conclusion] This study revealed that the foot alignment between the improvable and unimprovable floating toe groups has different features. However, no significant difference was found in the foot alignment between the contact and floating toe groups. Henceforth, it is necessary to evaluate and classify floating toes considering the functional aspects.