Ground reaction force analysis in flexible and rigid flatfoot subjects

Background Flatfoot is a structural and functional deformity of the foot that might change ground reaction force variables of gait. Evaluating the components of ground reaction force in three dimensions during gait is considered clinically important. This study aimed to investigate the components of ground reaction force, impulse, and loading rate during gait in people with flexible and rigid flatfoot compared to healthy subjects. 20 young women with flatfoot in two experimental groups (10 with rigid flatfoot and 10 with flexible flatfoot) and 10 healthy women in the control group participated in this study. Ground reaction force components during gait were measured using two force plates. The peak of ground reaction forces, impulse, and loading rate were then extracted. Data were processed and analyzed using MATLAB and SPSS software. One-way ANOVA with a significant level (P˂0.05) was used for statistical analysis. The results showed that peak braking force was higher in the rigid flatfoot group than in the control group (p = 0.016) and the flexible flatfoot group (p = 0.003). The posterior force loading rate was significantly higher in the rigid flatfoot group than in the flexible flatfoot group (P = 0.04). There was no significant difference in vertical loading rate between groups (P˃0.05). Since the maximal posterior ground reaction force was higher in the subjects with rigid flatfoot than in those with flexible flatfoot and healthy subjects, the increase in posterior ground reaction force is associated with an increase in anterior shear force at the knee.