Objective
To determine whether asymptomatic flexible flat feet show specific postural assessment with respect to neutral feet in 6-year-old children.
Methods
In this cross-sectional observational study, 164 subjects were observed and divided into two groups: 57 with flexible flat feet and 107 with neutral feet. A non-quantitative inspection by podoscopy and baropodometry were performed to evaluate plantar support, and a clinical examination to assess postural setting.
Results
The prevalence of flexible flat feet was 34.8%. The differenceinthe mean centre of pressure (CoP) between the two groups was significant (p=0.028), regarding the antero-posterior direction of CoP only. There was no significant differencein the presence of postural growth disharmony between the neutral and flat-feet groups.
Conclusion
The flattening of the plantar archseems to be linked to a displacement of CoP Y, more posterior in flat feet than in neutral feet; on the other hand, postural harmony in 6-year-old children during growth is not influenced by flat feet.

Citations

• Effect of Thoracic Kyphosis and Lumbar Lordosis on the Distribution of Ground Reaction Forces on the Feet
  Arkadiusz Żurawski, Zbigniew Śliwiński, Edyta Suliga, Grzegorz Śliwiński, Żaneta Wypych, Wojciech Kiebzak
  Orthopedic Research and Reviews.2022; Volume 14: 187.     CrossRef
• Kappa Active Orthosis: a preliminary biomechanical study on the immediate effect of a novel orthotic intervention for pediatric flexible flat foot
  Paolo RONCONI, Massimiliano MURGIA, Teresa PAOLUCCI, Michelina ARMANDO, Eugenio DI STANISLAO, Federica CAMUNCOLI, Manuela GALLI
  Minerva Orthopedics.2021;[Epub]     CrossRef