Evaluation of Frequency Spectrum of Ground Reaction Force during Walking on Sand and Flat Surface in Individuals with Pronated Foot

Ground reaction force frequency content during walking has clinical importance. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the frequency response of ground reaction force during walking on sand and flat surface in people with pronation foot.

A total of 29 healthy participants (14 females and 15 males) (mean age: 24.00±4.17 years, height: 170.54±7.92 cm, and weight: 73.36±16.68 kg) and 30 individuals with pronated foot (15 females and 15 males) (mean age: 23.09±2.91 years, height: 172.63±10.85 cm, and weight: 71.09±11.07 kg) volunteered to participate in the current study. Ground reaction force data were recorded using a Bertec force plate (with sampling rate of 1000 Hz). Two ways ANOVA with repeated measure test was used for statistical analysis. Data analyses were performed at the significance level of 0.05.

Interactive effect of surface and group on frequency spectrum with power of 99.5% in anterior-posterior direction was statistically significant. Frequency spectrum with power of 99.5% in the healthy group was significantly higher during walking on sand compared to walking on flat surface. No significant difference was observed in other variables.

Walking on sand had the highest effect on the frequency spectrum with power of 99.5% in the anterior-posterior direction but not in the medio-lateral and vertical directions. Generally, walking on sand is suitable in rehabilitation of pronated feet. However, further study is warranted.