Cuboid height measured using ultrasound is related to sex and dorsal arch height

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between cuboid height (CH) measured using ultrasound (US) and sex differences, as well as clinically assessed foot characteristics and physical characteristics. The study included 73 university students (43 males and 30 females). Basic participant attributes, including age, height, body mass, and foot length in a static standing position, were recorded and measured. Cuboid height (CH) was measured using US to evaluate the lateral longitudinal arch of the foot. Dorsal arch height (DAH) and the Foot Posture Index-6 (FPI-6) were measured as indicators related to the medial longitudinal arch of the foot. Statistical analysis was performed to compare age, height, weight, foot length, CH, DAH, and FPI-6 between men and women, depending on the results of normality tests. Subsequently, multiple regression analysis was conducted on the combined male and female group. CH values were greater in men than in women. The results of the multiple regression analysis indicated that the factors influencing CH were DAH and sex (DAH: Standardized β = 0.911, sex: Standardized β = 0.290) Furthermore, the intercept = -16.29, the adjusted R² = 0.531, with p < 0.001. CH is influenced by DAH and sex, suggesting that reference values differ between men and women.