The Impact of Flatfoot on Posture Alignment in Primary School Students-A Proposal for Educational Preventive Strategies

Flatfoot is considered a structural condition that can occur in either one foot (unilaterally) or both feet (bilaterally), manifested by the collapse of the medial plantar arch of the foot, rearfoot pronation, and forefoot abduction. The purpose of the study was to investigate the impact of flatfoot on postural alignment of the primary school students regarding early detection and prevention of postural deviation. Using a pre-test design, foot posture was assessed using Foot Posture Index-6 and postural alignment using Global Postural System 400. The study's findings showed that there are statistically significant correlations between flatfoot and postural alignment. Specifically, significant correlations were found both: between the left flatfoot and the frontal alignment of the pelvis on the left side (r = -.504, p < .014) and between the midfoot and the frontal alignment of the ipsilateral pelvis (r = -.754, p < .001). In addition, strong correlations were identified between the alignment of the pelvic girdle on the side of the pronated and hyperpronated foot and the shoulder girdle in the frontal plane (r = .617, p < .002; r = .600, p < .002). The findings of the study underscore the relevance of early detection and implementation of intervention strategies in school, considering the impact of flatfoot on primary school students' posture.