A comparative analysis of lower limb joint range of motion during running in adult females with normal feet and flatfeet

BACKGROUND: The relationship between biomechanical factors and different foot postures during running is not well understood. This study aims to examine the range of motion (ROM) in the hip, knee, and ankle joints during running in individuals with flatfeet. METHODS: A total of 40 participants were included in the study. All participants underwent screening using the Navicular Drop Test and were divided into two groups: the flat feet group (N.=20; age= 5.50 +/- 1.90 years; height 161.10 +/- 3.50 cm; mass 58.90 +/- 7.90 kg) and the normal foot group (N.=20; age 25.09 +/- 2.30 years; height 161.40 +/- 7.50 cm; weight 57.02 +/- 8.10 kg). The angular displacements of the lower limb joints in the dominant leg during the stance phase of running were measured in the sagittal, frontal, and horizontal planes (degrees). A motion analysis system, with a sampling frequency of 200 Hz, was used to evaluate the ROM. RESULTS: The results indicated significant differences between the groups in ankle dorsiflexion (P=0.001), ankle plantarflexion (P=0.001), knee flexion (P=0.001), hip flexion (P=0.002), and hip extension (P=0.004). Additionally, significant differences were observed between the groups in ankle dorsiflexion/plantarflexion (P=0.001), knee flexion/extension (P=0.001), and hip flexion/extension (P=0.002) ROM. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with flat feet exhibited altered kinematic patterns during running, which may be associated with compensatory mechanisms that increase the risk of lower limb injuries. Therefore, analyzing movement patterns is crucial for preventing potential injuries.