Dynamic foot mobility in high and low arched individuals

Evidence relating injury to any one foot type is limited (Kaufman et al. 1999). However, a higher incidence of shock-related bony injuries have been reported in high arched (HA) runners (Williams et al. 2001a). This incidence may be linked to the higher observed loading rates in this population (Williams et al. 2001b). During early stance the foot pronates, a tri-planar motion consisting of dorsiflexion, eversion and abduction. Pronation has been suggested to serve as a shock attenuation mechanism. Perry and Lafortune (1995) reported increased impact loading when normal pronation was restricted. Given this, one may expect the range of motion within the joints of the foot to be crucial in determining its shock attenuation ability. The purpose of this study was to compare the relative foot mobility and tibial shock in those with HA and those with low arches (LA). More specifically, it sought to test the hypothesis that those with LA have more mobile feet and are better able to absorb shock dynamically than more rigid HA feet. It is suggested that those with greater range of motion at the joints of the foot (LA) will have lower tibial shock compared to those with more rigid feet (HA).