Comparison of Foot Posture in Runners (Sprinters) and NonRunners in Indian Population- An Observational Study

Abstract

Introduction : The foot and ankle are located most distally in the lower limb and are responsible for allowing

effective weight reception and generating torque required for propulsion during dynamic activities. Proper

foot motion specifically subtalar pronation and supination are critical to achieving these functions. The

normal foot transitions between pronation and supination to optimize adaptability versus stability as needed

but foot mal alignments may negatively affect the lower leg to function optimally during weight bearing

stance.

Aim : To compare the foot posture of Indian Runners and Non- Runners.

Objectives : (1) To determine the foot posture of runners in Indian Population. (2) To determine the foot

posture of non-runners in Indian population. (3) To compare the foot posture of Indian runners and non

runners.

Method: 30 runners and 30 non-runners participated in the study. Footprint indices and Navicular drop was

calculated. Foot print indices i.e. Arch angle, Chippaux- Smirak index, Staheli index, Arch length index,

arch index, footprint index, truncated arch index were calculated using an ink pad and Navicular drop were

calculated of the dominant feet.

Results: The normality of data was checked by using Shapiro-Wilk test which shows data was of parametric

type. Comparison between the groups was done by unpaired t-test The arch index and truncated arch index

were significantly higher in runners than non-runner and Staheli index was significantly higher in Non

runner than runners.

Conclusion: The result of this study shows that Runners have more pronated foot as compared to Non

runner.