Investigation of effect of foot postureon dynamic-static balance in athletes with intellectual disability

Aim: The aim of the study is to examine the effect of foot posture, which is an important structure in providing and maintaining balance in mentally disabled athletes, on static and dynamic balance. Material and method: The research was conducted on 27 (16 men, 11 women) mentally retarded athletes between the ages of 18-45. The foot postures of the participants were evaluated with the Foot Posture Index 6 (FPI-6), their static balance was evaluated with the Flamingo balance test, and their dynamic balance was evaluated with the Star Excursion Balance test (SEBT). In order to evaluate the categorical data, chi-square analysis was performed by creating cross tables. Results: No significant correlation was found between the left foot posture index score and the Flamingo and Star Excursion balance test measurement results obtained from the left extremity (p>0.05). A moderately statistically significant negative correlation was found between the right foot posture index score and the right extremity Flamingo balance test (p<0.05). A moderately statistically significant negative correlation was found between the right foot posture index score and the values of the right extremity Star Excursion balance test lateral, posterolateral, posterior and anteromedial aspects (p<0.05). Conclusion: As a result of our research, there was no significant relationship between static and dynamic balance and left foot posture, but a significant and negative relationship was found with right foot posture. It was found that static and dynamic balance values were better in mentally handicapped athletes with neutral or near-neutral foot posture for the right extremity.