Measurements of Foot Arch in Standing, Level Walking, Vertical Jump and Sprint Start

Foot arch is important for force transfer and shock absorption in impact sports. The purposes of this study were to measure the height of foot arch in static standing and dynamic activities, and to compare the difference of foot arch between level walking, vertical jump and sprint start. Twenty-three healthy subjects were recruited in this study. Significant differences between non-weight bearing condition and standing were found on arch height, arch angle and arch index. Arch height was gradually decreased in loading phase but suddenly increased in push-off phase during level walking, vertical jump and sprint start. Vertical jump and sprint start required significantly greater ranges of arch height change than level walking. The information obtained from this study enhanced our understanding of the changes of the human foot arch in static standing and dynamic athletic activities. The findings of this study can be interpreted in the fields of orthopedics and sports footwear design.