Affiliations: [a] Akdeniz University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Antalya, Turkey | [b] Akdeniz University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of
Medical Education, Antalya, Turkey | [c] Gazi University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Ankara, Turkey
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sibel Cubukcu,
Akdeniz University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physical Medicine and
Rehabilitation, 07059 Antalya, Turkey. Tel.: +90 2422274343 ext: 21120; Fax:
+90 2422274482; E-mail: scubukcu@akdeniz.edu.tr
Abstract: Purpose: To determine the effect of foot arch structure on ankle
muscle strength. Methods: Forty-seven young female volunteers (94 feet) were
classified in to low (LA), high (HA) and normal (NA) arch groups according to
their arch ratio (AR) and Chippaux-Smirak index (CSI) values. The distribution
of the participants among LA, HA and NA groups did not differ when AR or CSI
was preferred for classification. Isokinetic muscle strength of ankle
invertor/evertors and plantar/dorsal flexors was measured by using an
isokinetic dynamometer. One-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation test and ROC curve
analysis were used in statistical analyses. Results: A strong correlation was found between AR and CSI values.
Significant differences were found in mean strength measurements of ankle
muscles in favor of NA group at 120°/s for dorsiflexion and plantar
flexion, 120 and 150°/s for eversion and at 120°/s for the ratio
between ankle inversion and eversion. Sensitivity and specificity rates of
muscular strength as an indicator of arch anomalies were low. Conclusion: Normal arched individuals have higher muscular strength
values only at faster testing speeds
