Walking Economy in Individuals with Pes Planus.

Background: Biomechanical changes in individuals with pes planus may lead to unusual gait and increased muscle activity. This study aimed to investigate and compare walking oxygen consumption in individuals with pes planus and control participants.

Methods: The study included 60 individuals (18-33 years old): 30 in the pes planus group (21 females) and 30 in the normal arch group (23 females) based on the navicular drop test and the Foot Posture Index. Individuals walked on a treadmill for 7 min at preferred walking speed and 30% above preferred walking speed, and oxygen consumption was measured through walking trials with an indirect calorimeter. The Borg scale was applied to determine perceived exertion during both walking trials. The Foot Function Index (FFI) and the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) were used to evaluate the clinical/functional status of the individuals with pes planus.

Results: There were no significant differences in preferred walking speed and oxygen consumption parameters for both walking trials between groups (P > .05). The median (range) FFI score of the individuals with pes planus was 9.13 (0-44.35) for the right foot and 8.70 (0-40.87) for the left foot. Perceived exertion rates of both walking trials were not significantly different between groups (P > .05). The median total FAOS score of the participants with pes planus was 94 (range, 65-99). There were no relationships between oxygen consumption and FAOS and FFI scores (P > .05).

Conclusions: No differences in walking speed and walking economy parameters were observed between individuals with pes planus and control participants.