Pain and function associated with a pronated foot posture

This study will investigate factors associated with pain in people with flat feet, in particular, the way that the foot contacts the ground when walking and how pressure and force is dispersed beneath the foot. We will also look at factors such as activity level, foot muscle strength and flexibility.

If you choose to particpate, your degree of foot pronation will be recorded using a visual and palpation-based scale rating scale. You will then have your height and weight measured, as well as your toe strength and ankle flexibility. You will be be asked to complete 3 short questionnaires detailing your regular physical activity, your 12-month history of bodily pain and to establish the degree of foot pain, if any, and foot function. You will also be asked to walk a few steps across a platform that measures the pressure beneath your feet whilst walking. 

You may be eligible to participate in this study if you:

• are between 18 and 35 years of age
• have a flat/pronated foot posture
• are able to currently walk 10 metres without any pain

The following conditions would mean that you are not able to particpate in the study:

• Currently experiencing pain while walking distances less than 10 steps
• Lower limb surgery in the past 12 months
• Previous orthopaedic foot surgery
• Rheumatological conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis
• Lower limb fractures, or acute lower limb injuries in the last 6 months
• Neurological conditions
• Vascular disease
• Lumbar spinal nerve pain and dysfunction 

If you are interested in assisting with this important and exciting area of research, please contact the study facilitator: Dr Justin Sullivan at justin.sullivan@sydney.edu.au