Step width modification to change rearfoot eversion and medial longitudinal arch angle during walking and running in individuals with pronated feet.

BACKGROUND

Individuals with pronated feet often experience altered foot biomechanics, leading to increased risk of lower limb injuries. Step width modification has been proposed as a potential intervention to improve foot alignment during gait.

RESEARCH QUESTION: Does modifying step width influence rearfoot eversion and medial longitudinal arch angle (MLAA) in individuals with pronated feet during walking and running?

METHODS

Twenty individuals with pronated feet underwent analysis during walking and running on treadmill, maintaining increased or decreased step width using real-time visual feedback. Three-dimensional motion analysis measured rearfoot eversion and MLAA during the stance phase of gait.

RESULTS

Wide step width significantly reduced peak rearfoot eversion during waking (mean difference - with normal step width - (MD) = 3.6°, p < 0.001) and running (MD = 4.4°, p < 0.001), time to peak rearfoot eversion during walking (MD = 16.6 p < 0.001) and running (MD = 13.8°, p = 0.014), rearfoot eversion at touch down (TD) during walking (MD = 1.3°, p = 0.004), rearfoot eversion excursion during running (MD = 4.3°, p < 0.001), and peak MLAA during walking (MD = 2.9°, p = 0.006) and MLAA excursion during running (MD = 4.8°, p = 0.004). By contrast, during running, narrow condition significantly increased peak rearfoot eversion (MD = 3.4°, p < 0.001). During walking, time to peak rearfoot eversion (MD = 16.1, p < 0.001), rearfoot eversion at TD (MD = 1.4°, p = 0.008), rearfoot eversion excursion (MD = 5.9°, p < 0.001), and peak MLAA (MD = 3.4°, p < 0.001) were significantly increased.

SIGNIFICANCE: This study highlights the potential of step width modification as a simple yet effective intervention to improve foot biomechanics in pronated feet individuals during walking and running. Further research could lead to the development of personalized strategies for pronated feet individuals.