Evaluation of the Horizontal Components Ground Reaction Force During Gait of Children with Flat Foot

The purpose of this study was to investigate the horizontal components of the ground reaction force with subjects’ flat foot and to compare these changes with subjects with normal foot. Fifteen subjects were randomly selected from 86 children with flexible flat foot, with a mean age (10.40 ±1.12), height (124.60 ± 8.76) and weight (24.10 ± 6.70). 15 subjects were randomly selected to the control group from the population with normal feet that were homogeneous with group flat foot of the height, age and weight. Flat-arched feet were determined by the navicular drop test with Brody method, and 1000Hz KISTLER force plate were used to measure horizontal components of ground reaction force at heel strike (Initial heel contact), transfer weight onto the heel (Loading response), touch the foot of land (Mid stance) and transfer weight onto the toes (Terminal stance) during the Stance phase. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 21 software and independent t-test was used (p< 0.05). There was a significant difference in the initial heel contact between flat foot and a normal foot. However, no significant difference was noted between the two groups at loading response, mid stance and terminal stance. According to the present research findings, it may be concluded that there are differences between children with flat foot and normal foot in the direction and amount of force at the time of heel strike or initial heel contact.