Physical Therapy Korea (한국전문물리치료학회지)

Korean Research Society of Physical Therapy (한국전문물리치료학회)
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Comparison of Dynamic Balance Among Logistics Workers With Pronated, Supinated, and Normal Foot Types

  • Chan-yong Kim (Department of Physical Therapy, Gangnam Severance Hospital) ;
  • Ui-jae Hwang (Department of Physical Therapy, Laboratory of KEMA AI Research (KAIR), College of Health Sciences, Yonsei University) ;
  • Oh-yun Kwon (Department of Physical Therapy, Kinetic Ergocise Based on Movement Analysis Laboratory, College of Health Sciences, Yonsei University) ;
  • Jong-gook Choi (Department of Disaster and Safety, Kyung Hee Cyber University)
  • Received : 2025.01.16
  • Accepted : 2025.02.19
  • Published : 2025.04.20
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Abstract

Background: Logistics service workers (LSWs) face significant occupational challenges, with ankle sprains being the second most prevalent work-related musculoskeletal disorder. Foot posture, assessed through the navicular drop test, can significantly influence dynamic balance performance, which is crucial for injury prevention in physically demanding occupational settings. Objects: This study aimed to investigate differences in dynamic balance performance among LSWs with pronated, supinated, and normal foot types using the Y-Balance test (YBT), comparing reach distances across anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral directions. Methods: A total of 205 LSWs were classified into three groups based on navicular drop measurements: supinated (n = 44), normal (n = 94), and pronated (n = 67) foot types. The YBT was performed on the dominant leg, measuring reach distances in three directions. Participants' demographic characteristics were recorded, and statistical analyses were conducted using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Bonferroni correction. Results: Significant differences in YBT performance were observed across all three directions (anterior: p = 0.009, posterolateral: p = 0.015, posteromedial: p = 0.014). The supinated and normal foot groups showed significantly greater reach distances compared to the pronated group (p < 0.026 for anterior direction). In the posterolateral direction, the supinated group demonstrated significantly better performance compared to the pronated group (p = 0.014). Similarly, the posteromedial direction revealed significantly higher reach distances for the supinated group compared to the pronated group (p = 0.012). Conclusion: The study reveals that foot type significantly impacts dynamic balance performance among LSWs. Workers with pronated feet demonstrate reduced balance capabilities, while those with supinated feet show the most superior dynamic balance performance.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

We would like to thank all participants in our study for their active participation and cooperation.

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