An Investigation Of The Effects Of Pes Planus On Distal And Proximal Lower Extremity Biomechanical Parameters And Low Back Pain

Abstract

Purpose: The objective of the study was to compare the biomechanical features of the lower extremity, foot structure, and function and low back pain in young sedentary subjects with and without pes planus. Methods: The study was conducted with the participation of 60 sedentary subjects consisting of 30 women and 30 men. The subjects were assigned to two groups as with or without pes planus according to navicular drop test results. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score and Visual Analogue Scale Foot and Ankle Scales were used to evaluate the foot function of the subjects. Muscle shortness and strength tests of the selected muscles, Q angle, and pelvic inclination angle measurements were performed. Oswestry Disability Index was used to evaluate low back pain. The subjects with and without pes planus were compared. Results: There were no significant differences between the subjects with and without pes planus regarding tibialis posterior and peroneal muscle strength, gastrocnemius, soleus and hamstring muscle shortness, Q angle, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score, and Visual Analogue Scale Foot and Ankle score (p>0.05). The pelvic inclination angle of the non-dominant side was higher (p=0.042), and Oswestry Disability Index score was higher (p=0.001) in subjects with pes planus compared to those without pes planus. Conclusion: Our results indicated that pes planus may increase pelvic inclination and may cause low back pain, while lower extremity muscle strength, muscle shortness, and foot function were not affected from this case in young sedentary subjects.