Impact of various foot arches on dynamic balance and speed performance in collegiate short distance runners: A cross-sectional comparative study

Selvaraj Sudhakar; S Veena Kirthika; K Padmanabhan; G Mohan Kumar; C V Senthil Nathan; R Gopika; Asir John Samuel

doi:10.1016/j.jor.2018.01.050

Impact of various foot arches on dynamic balance and speed performance in collegiate short distance runners: A cross-sectional comparative study

J Orthop. 2018 Feb 2;15(1):114-117. doi: 10.1016/j.jor.2018.01.050. eCollection 2018 Mar.

Authors

Selvaraj Sudhakar¹, S Veena Kirthika¹, K Padmanabhan¹, G Mohan Kumar¹, C V Senthil Nathan¹, R Gopika¹, Asir John Samuel²

Affiliations

¹ Faculty of physiotherapy, Dr. M. G. R. Educational and Research Institute University, Maduravoyal, Chennai, 600095, Tamil Nadu India.
² Department of Pediatric and Neonatal Physiotherapy, Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Maharishi Markandeshwar University, Mullana-133207, Ambala, Haryana, India.

Abstract

Objective: To compare the impact of foot arches on dynamic balance and speed performance.

Materials and methods: 30 collegiate male short distance runners were divided into three groups based on foot arches, high, neutral and low. Balance and speed performance were estimated based on scores of star excursion balance test (SEBT), 40 yard dash test and vertical jump test (VJT).

Results: Significant improved scores (p < 0.001) were noted in SEBT, 40 yard dash test and VJT.

Conclusion: Short distance runners with high arch foot have improved dynamic balance and speed when compared to low and neutral arch foot.

Keywords: Exercise; Foot; Foot exercises; Foot muscles; Middle distance runners.