Can static foot posture measurements predict regional plantar surface area?

• We examine the use of static foot posture measurements to predict plantar surface area.
• The change in midfoot width is used to place subjects in either a pronated or normal foot mobility group.
• We report that static foot measurements can explain 79% or more of forefoot and midfoot plantar surface area.

BackgroundThe intent of this study was to determine if the use of a single or combination of static foot posture measurements can be used to predict rearfoot, midfoot, and forefoot plantar surface area in individuals with pronated or normal foot types.MethodsTwelve foot measurements were collected on 52 individuals (mean age 25.8 years) with the change in midfoot width used to place subjects in a pronated or normal foot mobility group. Dynamic plantar contact area was collected during walking with a pressure sensor platform. The 12 measures were entered into a stepwise regression analysis to determine the optimal set of measures associated with regional plantar surface area.ResultsA two variable model was found to describe the relationship between the foot measurements and forefoot plantar contact area (r2 = 0.79, p < 0.0001). A four variable model was found to describe the relationship between the foot measurements and midfoot plantar contact area (r2 = 0.85, p < 0.0001) in those individuals with a 1.26 cm or greater change in midfoot width.ConclusionsThe results indicate that clinicians can use a combination of simple, reliable and time efficient foot measures to explain 79% and 85% of the plantar surface area in the forefoot and midfoot, respectively.