Abstract
The influence of selected biomechanical factors on the development of flat feet in children during growth and development
Collegium Medicum, Faculty of Medicine, WSB University, Dąbrowa Górnicza, Poland
Physiotherapy Review, 2026, 30(3), 42-53
Background
Flatfoot is one of the most common postural defects in children and may lead to significant health consequences; therefore, early diagnosis and physioprophylaxis are essential.
Aims
To assess the impact of selected internal and external biomechanical factors on the development of flatfoot in children aged 4–9 years and to identify significant relationships between these factors and flatfoot severity.
Material and methods
The study included 112 children (59 girls, 53 boys) aged 4–9 years, comprising 61 school pupils and 51 preschoolers. Static and dynamic tests were performed, including assessment of the ALFA, BETA, and GAMMA angles, the Sztriter–Godunov and Wejsflog indices, Clarke’s angle, and the strength of forefoot pronation and supination muscles. Statistical analysis employed Student’s t-test, ANOVA, and Spearman’s and Pearson’s correlations.
Results
Significant relationships were found between flatfoot severity (Clarke’s angle) and forefoot pronation and supination, foot length, and BMI in both groups. A correlation was also observed between the Wejsflog index and schoolbag weight.
Conclusions
Pronated and supinated foot positioning was the strongest factor associated with flatfoot in children aged 4–9 years. BMI, foot length, and excessive schoolbag weight were related to reduced longitudinal arch height
Keywords
body posture disorders; biomechanical factors; flat feet in children; child’s foot development; longitudinal arch of the foot; static-dynamic loads
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