Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship of foot posture and foot size with balance. A hundred and thirteen healthy volunteers were recruited from undergraduate students (Male = 74, Female = 37, age range 18–22). The Foot Posture Index (FPI-6), anthropometric measurements, dynamic balance and static balance measurements were done to investigate the relationships between all the variables. Pearson product’s moment correlation coefficient test was used for statistical analyses. As a result, it was found that there was a weak, negative correlation between the static balance and foot posture variables, r = -.22, n = 113, P < .005. Moreover, there was a weak positive correlation between static balance and heel breadth, r = -.19, n = 113, P < .005; and it was found that there was another small negative correlation between dynamic balance and foot length, r = -.13, n = 113, P < .005. Deficiency in foot posture may lead to some injuries by affecting on balance. This can be very important to both athletes and elderly people.

Key words: Foot posture, foot size, university students, balance.