RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FLAT FOOT AND VARIOUS GAIT PARAMETERS IN HEALTHY INDIVIDUALS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: The arch of the foot plays a vital role in transferring body weight and maintaining balance. Deformities in the foot arch may alter biomechanics and gait. This study aimed to determine the relationship between flat foot and gait parameters in healthy individuals.

Methods: A total of 112 individuals aged 18–30 years were screened for flat foot between May and December 2023. Plantar Arch Index (PAI) was calculated, and those with PAI > 0.26 (n = 35) were classified as having flat foot. Gait parameters—step length, stride length, step width, and foot angle—were measured using the footprint method. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Spearman’s correlation (P < 0.05).

Results: No significant correlation was found between bilateral flat foot and gait parameters. However, a significant positive relationship was observed between unilateral flat foot and step width (r = 0.87, P = 0.024).

Conclusion: Bilateral flat foot was not associated with altered gait parameters, whereas unilateral flat foot showed compensatory changes reflected in step width.