Comparison of Gait parameters among the adults (18-24) with and without flatfoot – A Cross sectional study

Abstract

Background: Flat foot is a common deformity in which the medial longitudinal arch is eliminated or reduced, subtalar joint is pronated and the calcaneus achieves valgus position under- weight bearing conditions. Any feet disorder can alter the biomechanics of the entire lower limb. The aim of the study was to compare the gait parameters (Cadence, stride length, step length and pace) among the adults (18-24) with and without flat foot.

Methodology: It was a cross-sectional study with 3 months duration. Total 56 young adults (18-24) with and without flatfoot were recruited with purposive sampling method. the categorization of the type of arch using Arch-Height index. The Outcome measures were Gait parameters (cadence, distance walked in one minute, speed, step length, stride length) which were noted by pedometer of Smart watch and stride length, step length by using formula using cadence and distance findings. Result: Comparison analysis was done by using unpaired t-test. On comparison of various Gait parameters between normal and flat foot individuals such as cadence (p=0.7), distance walked in one minute (p= 0.96), speed (p=0.78), step length (p= 0.98), stride length (p= 0.92), there was no significant difference between two groups. Conclusion: The study concludes that there is no difference in gait parameters between flatfoot and normal foot.