The impact of flat feet on body posture and the correlation with low back pain.

Flat foot is a very common deformity in children and adults, it could be easily neglected due to its minor impact on the daily activities and function. A minor deformity such as flat feet could cause changes in the posture over time due to the ability the human body has, which is to adapt to changes to continue functioning and carrying out daily activities. On the other hand, low back pain which is also a quite widespread problem, is not as neglected because it does interfere with daily activities and can even lead to immobilization in extreme cases. Often patients with low back pain seek treatments which might help manage the pain but not knowing what could be the cause of it might lead to a chronic low back pain. We hypothesize that there might be a correlation between the flat feet and low back pain if we consider a series of other postural changes might take place due to flat feet which could eventually lead to lumbar pain. The aim of this study was to determine if there is a correlation between the two and to note any postural changes that the participants might have had in addition to flat feet. 14 individuals participated in this study (31.1±9.6 years old), with only one requirement, and that was that all the participants had to have a positive Feiss Line Test/Navicular Drop Test which was the test we used to determine the flat feet. Schober’s test was conducted to determine the flexibility of the participants lumbar spine. A series of questionnaires were used about the pain and other symptoms. The Tibial Torsion Test was performed to see if there was any rotation in the tibias. Furthermore, Oswestry’s Disability Index questionnaire was used to assess the low back pain. Data were collected, and a statistical analysis was performed using MS Excel; mean (x ̅), Standard Deviation (SD) was calculated and the Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient Test was used to determine the correlation between the flat feet and low back pain. There was a significant correlation with a positive number of r=0.48530, comparing the results of the Feiss Line Test to the Oswestry Disability Index. The Schober’s Test average from all the participants also showed a positivity with 4.85±1.57 cm. The Tibial Torsion Test was negative to almost all the participants. There was a significant pain level from all the participants on the low back pain, scoring 3.2±1.36 with 5 being the most painful. Flat feet and low back pain have a correlation and other deformities were seen in 70% of the participants along the flat feet.BSc/BAápolás és betegellátás (gyógytornász)angolnappalig