Purpose: Karate is one of the most popular martial arts around the world, and flatfoot deformity is one of the most common disorders in people participating in this sport. This disorder can ...negatively affect the function and joint position sense (JPS). This study aimed to investigate the effect of 6 weeks of comprehensive corrective exercise training on the function of the lower limb and JPS in female karatekas with flatfoot. Methods: In this field trial study, 40 female karatekas with flexible flatfoot postures were recruited and randomly divided into two groups of exercise and control. The Staheli index test was performed for all subjects to assess the condition of the foot posture, as one of the inclusion criteria also, single leg 6-m timed hop test, single leg triple hop for distance test, and ankle joint JPS were used to evaluate the function of the lower limb. Then, the exercise group performed 6 weeks of corrective exercises, but the control group did not perform any specific exercises during this period. After 6 weeks, the tests were repeated. A covariance analysis test was used to evaluate the between-groups differences, and paired sample t-test was used to evaluate the within-group changes. Results: Corrective exercise group in the post-test had a better performance than the pre-test in the Staheli index test, JPS, the single leg 6-m timed hop test, and single leg triple hop for distance test (P=0.0001). However, in the control group, no significant difference was observed between the two stages of the test (P>0.05). Also, by comparing groups in the post-test via the Staheli index test, JPS, single leg 6-m timed hop test, and single leg triple hop for distance test. It was found that the experimental group achieved better results than the control group (P>0.05). Conclusion: Six weeks of comprehensive corrective training has significantly improved foot posture, JPS, and function of the lower limb in female karatekas with flatfoot. Thus, comprehensive corrective exercises can be used in this group to improve foot posture, JPS, and function of the lower limb.
In this study, we aimed to reveal whether the medial longitudinal arch is formed in the intrauterine period and the structural features of the medial longitudinal arch. The study was conducted on 146 ...feet of 73 fetuses (38 male, 35 female) aged between 15 and 40 weeks of gestation. The fetuses were grouped by trimesters. The footprints taken were photographed with a millimeter ruler, and the development of the medial longitudinal arch was examined on footprints based on the Clarke index, Chipaux-Smirak index, and Staheli index. In Clarke index and Staheli index, it was observed that the arch height was normalized in the transition from the second trimester to the third trimester, the arch decreased in the transition to full-term, and the rate of pes planus increased. All indices detected pes planus by 81.81% in the full-term period. The rate of pes planus determined according to Clarke index and Staheli index, especially in the third trimester period, was 6.94% and 11.11%, respectively. We have provided a perspective on how the development of the medial longitudinal arch is shaped in the intrauterine period. Based on the results of study, we consider that the data on the medial longitudinal arch, especially in the third trimester period, may be more significant. In the evaluations made from the footprints of premature infants in the intrauterine third trimester period in the future, a study, in which infants detected with pes planus can be followed up and the development of their medial longitudinal arch is evaluated, can be conducted.
Flatfoot is practically diagnosed by physical examination, radiographs, or footprint. Talar first-metatarsal angle on a weight-bearing lateral radiograph provides an accurate measurement for the ...diagnosis offlatfoot and is frequently used by foot and ankle specialists. Staheli Index is also considered as a reliable method. However; there is no information of the sensitivity and specificity of this index compared to the talar-first metatarsal angle for the diagnosis of flatfoot.
To evaluate the usefulness of the Staheli Index on Harris matfootprintfor the diagnosis of flatfoot.
The weight-bearing lateral radiographs were obtainedfrom 157patients (314feet). The radiographs were examined for the talar-first metatarsal angle. Harris mat footprint was also obtained from each participant for the measurement of the Staheli Index. The sensitivity and specificity of the Staheli Index was calculated using the talar-first metatarsal angle as a gold standard. ROC curve was also performed to determine the cut-off point of the Staheli Index. Interobserver and intra-observer reliability was also tested.
The cut-off point ofthe Staheli Index at 0.77 revealed the sensitivity of 70.2% and specificity of 73%, and the accuracy value was 72%for the detection of flatfoot compare4 to the talar-first metatarsal angle. There was no significant difference of the area under the ROC curves performed by two physicians was found. The area under the ROC curves showed no difference when performed at two different times by the same physician.
The Staheli Index obtained from the Harris mat footprint could be considered as the screening or diagnostic method for flatfoot.
