The Impacts of Different Arch Height on Ankle Strength and Physical Performance

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the possible correlation of arch height with ankle muscle strength and physical performance. Methods: Sixty-seven participants took part in this study. Arch height index (AHI) was assessed using a 3 D Foot Scanner and ankle muscle strength was measured employing a dynamometer of Biodex system 4. Physical performance including agility, force and proprioception was tested randomly. Results: Compared with the medium AHI, the high AHI had lower plantar flexion and inversion peak torque. The high AHI also had lower peak torque per body weight value for plantar flexion and inversion (P < 0.05) . No significant ankle muscle strength difference was observed between the low and medium AHI. Additionally, AHI was negatively correlated with eversion and inversion peak torque, and negatively associated with plantar flexion, eversion and inversion peak torque per body weight (R ranged-0.26 to-0.36, P<0.050) . But no significant relationship was found between arch height and physical performance. Conclusions: 1) high arches had lower ankle muscle strength while low arches exhibited greater ankle muscle strength. 2) arch height have a certain impact on ankle muscle strength but not related with physical performance.