The Effect Subtalar Joint Pronation on Postural Stability and Lower Extremity Alignment

The lower extremity consists of sequent columns. The deviation of one segment from its normal alignment in the lower extremity also affects the alignment of the other segments. The alignment of the parts of the foot during weight bearing is called foot posture. Foot posture is divided into neutral, pronation, and supination. Foot posture varies significantly from person to person, and deviations from normal foot posture are associated with lower extremity injuries. Increased or prolonged pronation has been identified as both a risk factor and etiologic factor for increased navicular drop, a lower extremity malalignment pattern. In pronation posture, the foot may not adequately adapt to the ground, and there is increased movement of the lower extremity in the frontal plane. As a result, the person's postural stability is compromised. The fact that the foot is the most distal segment of the lower extremity chain indicates that even small biomechanical changes in the bearing surface can significantly affect postural control strategies. There are studies in the literature that examine the effect of foot pronation on dynamic balance and postural stability in individuals with different foot postures. However, to our knowledge, there is no study that examines differences in postural stabilization and lower extremity alignment by classifying individuals with varying degrees of subtalar joint pronation into pronation and hyper pronation groups.

Inclusion Criteria:Being between 18 and 40 years oldNot to have pain and function lossFoot posture index value between 6-12No orthopedic diseaseNot be visually or hearing impairedNot have participated in a physical therapy program in the past 6 monthsNot have undergone any surgical procedure on the lower extremityNo intake of pain medication during the examination period and within the specified treatment daysExclusion Criteria:Having congenital anomaly of the lower extremityHaving a history of lower extremity surgery or lower extremity surgery planned within the next 12 monthsHaving ligament hyperlaxityHaving a history of tendon or cartilage injuryHaving metabolic disease, cancerUsing any kind of support/orthosis in the shoeHaving knee injections in the past 3 monthsAny neurological or systemic inflammatory arthritis disorder