Gender-based differences in the functional deformation of the foot longitudinal arch

Abstract

Background: Gender differences in physical characteristics are associated with differing incidences of sports-related injuries. However, functional differences in the foot arch, which acts as a shock absorber under dynamic conditions, have not been investigated. Objective: This study investigated gender-based differences in the medial and lateral longitudinal arches under static and dynamic conditions. Methods: Eleven males and 8 females participated in this study. Radiographic images of the subjects' feet were obtained under static conditions, with and without weight bearing. In addition, each subject performed single leg landing from 10. cm platform with the knee extended, and cineangiographic images in the sagittal plane were obtained during landing. Results: In the weight bearing position, the medial and lateral arch angles of the females were significantly greater than those of the males, but neither of the angles differed between the males and females without weight bearing. The magnitude of the angular changes of each arch was significantly greater in the females than in the males. Conclusion: These results suggest that females have a greater range of arch motion than males under static and dynamic loading conditions. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd.