Foot Posture as a Determinant of Global Postural Alignment: A Cross-Sectional Analysis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29070/ytsnbw13Keywords:
Foot posture, Foot Posture Index, Postural alignment, Pelvic tilt, Lumbar lordosis, Kinetic chain, Biomechanics, Young adultsAbstract
Background: Postural alignment is influenced by multiple biomechanical factors within the kinetic chain. The foot, as the base of support, plays a critical role in load distribution and stability; however, its contribution to global postural alignment remains inadequately explored.
Objective: To determine the relationship between foot posture and global postural alignment in young adults.
Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 80 healthy young adults aged 18–30 years. Foot posture was assessed using the Foot Posture Index (FPI-6). Global postural alignment was evaluated using plumb line assessment and a handheld inclinometer to measure cervical angle, thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, and pelvic tilt. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to analyze the relationship between FPI scores and postural variables. Group comparisons across foot posture categories were performed using one-way ANOVA.
Results: A significant moderate positive correlation was found between FPI scores and pelvic tilt (r = 0.41, p = 0.001) and lumbar lordosis (r = 0.36, p = 0.002). No significant correlation was observed with cervical angle (p = 0.28) or thoracic kyphosis (p = 0.11). Participants with pronated foot posture demonstrated significantly higher pelvic tilt and lumbar lordosis compared to neutral and supinated groups (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Foot posture is significantly associated with lumbopelvic alignment, particularly pelvic tilt and lumbar lordosis, supporting its role as a distal determinant of postural organization. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating foot assessment into postural evaluation and suggest that addressing distal biomechanical factors may enhance clinical outcomes.
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