Influence of foot posture on the functioning of the windlass mechanism

Subjects with an “absent” or “impaired” windlass mechanism had a mean Foot Posture Index of +6.8 (sd = 2.5) compared to +2.5 (sd = 3.1) for those with a functioning windlass mechanism. A series of independent t-tests showed that individuals without a functioning windlass mechanism had a more pronated foot posture, a lower dorsal arch height and a wider mid-foot width compared to those that had a functioning windlass mechanism. Finally, an average medial wedge of 5.1 mm (sd = 2.1) was able to produce a functioning windlass mechanism in those individuals that previously lacked one.