Correlation of hamstring strength and foot posture in adults -a cross sectional study

Foot pain is an important challenge faced clinically and in public health as it negatively affects the quality of life and physical functioning of people. Causes of foot pain can be as trivial as choosing the wrong footwear. Studies have shown clinical and epidemiological interdependence between the foot and proximal joints. Not only intrinsic foot muscles but the proximal hip muscles have an effect on the foot. The foot and hamstring are a part of the same anatomy train ie, the superficial backline. The foot is an important component in three other anatomy trains as well. The superficial backline is directly involved in maintaining the longitudinal arch of the foot hence any abnormality in the foot is likely to be transmitted to the proximal parts of the fascia. The proximal parts can also have an effect on the foot. Since foot pronation is impacted by valgus movements and foot varus is affected by foot supination is affected by varus movement at the knee, there can be an increased stress on the plantar fascia which in turn may increase forefoot and hindfoot pressure. A study was conducted to check the lower extremity muscle performance and foot pressure in patients who have plantar fasciitis (PF) with and without flat foot posture, and found that there is a significant difference in the performance of the muscle in patients with PF with various foot posture

This study aims to assess if the strength of the hamstring muscle complex has any effect on foot posture.

RESEARCH QUESTION

Is there a correlation between hamstring muscle strength and foot posture in healthy adults?

ALTERNATIVE HYPOTHESIS (H1): A correlation exists between hamstring strength and foot posture in healthy adults.

NULL HYPOTHESIS (H0): There is no correlation between hamstring strength and foot posture in healthy adults.