Effect of Weight Bearing on Medial Longitudinal Arch of Foot in Healthy Adults

Abstract

Background: The medial longitudinal arch (MLA) of the foot plays a pivotal role in biomechanical stability and mobility. Understanding its behavior under different loading conditions is crucial for both clinical and sports-related applications. Previous studies have offered insights into the arch's adaptability, yet the impact of gender on this dynamic has remained underexplored. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the differences in medial longitudinal arch height between genders in non-weight bearing (NWB) and full weight bearing (FWB) positions, to ascertain if gender influences arch behavior under various loading conditions. Methods: Conducted at the Biomechanics and Kinesiology Laboratory of Shifa Tameer e Millat University, this cross-sectional study enrolled volunteers aged 18 to 40 years with normal foot arches. Exclusion criteria included history of foot pain, foot anomalies, pregnancy, or menstruation at the time of data collection. Navicular height was measured using Kinovea software (Version 0.9.5), with participants in both NWB and FWB positions. The study received approval from the Institutional Review Board and Ethics Committee of Shifa International Hospital (IRB # 0213-23). Statistical analysis was performed using independent and paired sample t-tests. Results: The study involved equal numbers of male and female participants, with no significant gender-based differences observed in navicular height in NWB (Males: Left Foot 5.17 ± 0.865, Right Foot 5.19 ± 0.675; Females: Left Foot 5.24 ± 0.89, Right Foot 5.39 ± 0.867) and FWB positions (Males: Left Foot 4.73 ± 0.834, Right Foot 4.88 ± 0.846; Females: Left Foot 4.83 ± 0.898, Right Foot 4.80 ± 0.837). Significant reductions in navicular height from NWB to FWB were noted across both genders (p < 0.01). Conclusion: The medial longitudinal arch height significantly changes under weight bearing, displaying a similar pattern of adaptability across genders. This indicates that gender does not significantly influence the biomechanical behavior of the MLA under the tested conditions.