Investigation of the effect of calcaneus support on balance in the frontal plane in individuals with subtalar valgus

The aim of the study was to investigate the immediate effect of the medial heel wedge on static balance in patients with increased pronation. A total of 40 (22 female, 18 male) individuals aged 18-35 years in the foot pronation posture participated in the study. While standing and giving equal weight to both feet the subtalar angle measured with a goniometer between the calcaneus and the long axis of the distal 1/3 tibia and individuals with 5° or more pronation feet were included in the study. Foot posture was examined with the Foot Posture Index, foot pain was questioned with the McGill Pain Questionnaire-Short Form. A medial wedge made of Ethyl Vinyl Acetate was placed under the heel of the individuals. Stabilometric measurements were made with Diasu Gait Analyzer and Milletrix Gait Analysis software program. Right and left foot load distribution (%), fore-rear foot load distribution (%) and for static balance evaluation ellipse surface (mm²), swing length (mm), x-y mean (mm), AP index and romberg ratio values on one foot was measured and recorded with and without a wedge. There was no significant difference in the weight distribution of the right and left feet and the distribution of the left fore-rear foot in the measurements without and with support (p>0.05), but the change in the right fore and rear foot was significant (p<0.05). For static balance, the ellipse surface and romberg ratio parameters on the left side were significant (p<0.05), but no difference was found in the remaining values (p>0.05). In young adults with increased pronation, medial heel wedge has no effect on right-left foot load distribution and left anterior-posterior load distribution, while on the right side the load was changed from back to front. Static balance on one leg improved with the decrease in oscillations with the support used on the left side, while the effect of the wedge on the balance was not observed on the right side. Our study showed that static balance may be better with medial heel support in individuals with foot posture in pronation. In the clinic, the angle of pronation in the foot should also be considered in the foot evaluation, and if necessary, a medial heel wedge may be recommended to improve the balance.