Relationship Between Q Angle Variations and Subtalar Joint Positions on Balance and Ankle-Foot Muscle Strength Among Healthy Individuals in and Around Jayanagar

Human upright posture depends on an integrated kinetic chain extending from the feet to the cranium, enabling balance and efficient movement with minimal muscle activity. The foot and ankle serve as the foundation of this chain, transmitting forces and maintaining stability, while misalignments such as flat feet or altered subtalar positions can disrupt biomechanics and posture. The subtalar joint has three variations—neutral, pronation, and supination—which directly influence the Q-angle, with pronation increasing and supination decreasing it, thereby affecting knee function and balance. The ankle, being a complex and frequently injured weight-bearing joint, plays a vital role in gait and postural control. Ankle and intrinsic foot muscle strength contributes to maintaining proper alignment, preventing excessive pronation, dynamic knee valgus, and instability, while enhancing balance through improved neuromuscular control. Balance is regulated by continuous interaction between central and peripheral nervous systems, and abnormalities in Q-angle, subtalar position, or muscle strength increase the risk of injury and imbalance. Although these factors have been studied individually, limited research has examined their combined influence on balance in healthy individuals with normal BMI, highlighting the need for a comprehensive understanding of their interrelationship.