The attention needed for balance controlling in young patients with flatfoot

Abstract

Introduction: Regarding to the importance of foot in maintenance of balance, it seems that flat foot can affect complex postural and balance control. In this study dual-task paradigm has been used to investigate the amount of attention needed for balance controlling in patients with flat foot than subjects with normal foot arch. Materials and Methods: 30 participants (15 male ;15 female, mean ages 22/30±2/61 years) with flat foot and 30 participants (15 male ;15 female, mean ages 22.30 ± 1.70 years) with normal foot arch were placed in two groups. Static & Dynamic balance tests were performed by Biodex Balance System SD under condition of single leg stance, in two forms of open and closed eyes. Measured parameters were total, anterior-posterior and medial-lateral stability indices. Results: The within group comparison of single and dual tasks in control and flatfoot groups in static (open & closed eyes) and dynamic (open eyes) balance tests did not show any significant differences (P>.0.05). The within group comparison of single and dual tasks in two groups in dynamic balance condition with closed eyes showed significant differences (P