Effect of Base of Support and Foot Positioning on Posture Evaluated Using the Postural Analysis Software: An Exploratory Study.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the changes in posture with 2 different bases of support for static posture.

METHODS

In this exploratory study, participants were photographed in a standing position from anterior, posterior, and lateral views, in both spontaneous standing base of support (SBoS) (feet in a freely adopted position) and closed feet base of support (CBoS) (feet held together). Styrofoam markers were attached to 32 anatomical reference points, and posture assessment was conducted using software (PAS/SAPO). The area of each base of support (BoS) and the deviation of the center of gravity (CG) from the reference point within the BoS were measured. Comparisons between CBoS and SBoS postures were performed using paired t-tests.

RESULTS

One hundred and seven participants (81 women) and 856 photographs were evaluated. Average age was 25.65 ± 2.83 years and body mass index was 22.4 ± 2.8 kg/m². Alignment of the right and left lower limbs showed a difference in the frontal view; however, no differences were found in the posterior view. In the left lateral view, differences were noted in the hip angle (trunk and thigh), horizontal alignment of the pelvis, and knee angle. In the SBoS, the BoS area was greater, with a smaller deviation from the CG compared to the CBoS.

CONCLUSION

This study found that foot positioning can influence the alignment of lower limbs, pelvis, base of support, and balance, without affecting trunk postural assessment.