Relationship between explosive muscle strength and medial longitudinal arch of the foot

Abstract

Background: There has been a suggested link between muscle strength and arch type of the foot. However, a distinct cause and effect dependence has yet to be established. The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes from selected explosive strength tests with different arch heights. Material and Methods: The medial longitudinal arch (MLA) was measured using a Clarke's angle method. Five hundred seventy-four subjects (n = 574) participated in this study and were divided into three arch height groups and three muscle strength groups, respectively. To evaluate the association between longitudinal arch of the foot with the explosive power of lower limb muscles, Chi-square (χ2) test was used. Results: Arch heights were not significantly related to explosive muscle strength. Conclusions: Arch measurement was ineffective in accounting for the observed variability in the explosive strength among young adults. Clinical Relevance: This data may be useful in evaluating patients with painful flat feet and any strength deficits they may have. Copyright © 2010 by the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society.