Comparison of Lower Limb Muscular Activities during Three Different Running Patterns in Pronated Feet Individuals with and without Low Back Pain

 Aims and background: The aim of the present study was to compare the electromyography activity of the lower limb muscles during three different running patterns in pronated feet individuals with and without low back pain. Material and Methods: The present study was cross-sectional. 45 adult males (15 male with pronated feet, 15 male with both low back pain and pronated feet and 15 male with normal feet) volunteered to participate in the present study. Electromyography activity of the eight lower limb muscles (gastrocnemius, soleus, peroneus longus, tibialis anterior, vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, rectus femoris, and gluteus medius) were recorded during three running patterns. MANOVA test was used for statistical analysis. Results: The electromyography amplitude of the tibialis anterior during loading response phase while running with forefoot pattern in both pronated group (p=0.042) and pronated feet individuals with low back pain (p=0.039) were lower than that healthy group. Main effect of running pattern on electromyography amplitude of vastus medialis and rectus femoris muscles in three groups were not statistically significant during loading phase (p>0.05). Conclusion: Foot pronation affects the activity of the lower limb muscles by structural alterations in the ankle and foot joints. These changes in the pronated feet individuals with low back pain were greater than that pronated feet individuals without low back pain.