Investigation of the relationship between foot-ankle characteristics and lumbopelvic control, balance and physical performance in healthy young adults

This study was designed to investigate of the relationship between foot-ankle characteristics and lumbopelvic control, balance and physical performance in healthy young adults. A total of 64 young adults, 26 females and 38 males between 18 and 25 years old, were included in study. Foot-ankle characteristics were assessed by navicular height test, navicular drop test, foot posture index, plantar pressure analysis and isokinetic strength dynamometer after the sociodemographic characteristics of the individuals were recorded. Ultrasonographic imaging method and spesific endurance tests were used for assessment of lumbopelvic control of individuals. Balance was assessed by Biodex Balance System and single leg stance test and physical performance was assessed by vertical jump test, side step test and shuttle running test. It has been found that increased pressure in medial part of foot and low medial longitudinal arch formed by increased rearfoot pronation affected m. transversus abdominis and m. lumbar multifidus muscle thickness, static and dynamic balance as well as physical performance negatively (p <0.05). As the rearfoot pronation increased, especially decrease in plantar flexion muscle strength affected lumbopelvic stability negatively (p <0.05). It was found that lumbopelvic control had a effect especially on overall stability and anteroposterior stability indexes in terms of static and dynamic parameters in Biodex Balance System. As the muscle thickness of m. transversus abdominis and m. lumbar multifidus decreased, the index points increased and the balance deteriorated (p <0.05). It has been determined that in addition to the deterioration in the foot posture, weaknesses in m. transversus abdominis and m. lumbar multifidus have important effect in balance disorders according to results of our study (p<0.05). Weaknesses in m. transversus abdominis and m. lumbar multifidus, which are important muscles in lumbopelvic stability, affected the physical activities of individuals such as running and leaping negatively (p <0.05). While anomalies in the foot posture affect physical performance adversely (p <0.05), physical performance becomes worse as the stability of muscles that provide lumbopelvic control decreases (p <0.05). The results of our study showed that the biomechanical and musculoskeletal structure of the distal foot-ankle affected lumbopelvic stability. Protective programs of lumbopelvic stability are important in terms of prevention of postural disorders or injuries that may occur in the foot and the other upper alignment. We believe that the addition of applications related to lumbopelvic control, balance and physical performance to the treatment programs planned for the individual with any foot posture problem is important for functional recovery. Key Words: foot-ankle, lumbopelvic control, balance, physical performance