Influence of feet position on static postural assessment by means of photogrammetry: a comparative study

Abstract

Objectives: To identify if different feet positions may produce distinct results on postural assessment and if a less uncomfortable feet position for static postural assessment exists.

Methods: The sample consisted of 24 healthy adults of both sexes submitted to postural assessment by means of photogrammetry in frontal and sagittal planes in the following feet positions: self-referred, standardised self-referred, parallel apart and parallel together. The subjects indicated on the Modified Schechter Scale the subjective discomfort sensation ‘perceived in each position’. DIPA^© (Digital Image-based Postural Assessment) software was used for posture evaluation. Repeated measures ANOVAs compared 12 postural variables and the discomfort score (p < .05).

Results: The results demonstrated no significant differences between the postural variables for the four feet positions. The self-referred and standardised self-referred feet positions presented the lowest subjective sensation of discomfort.

Conclusions: The positions of the feet analysed in this study do not interfere with the results of the postural assessment.

Keywords:

• Photogrammetry
• posture assessment
• health evaluation
• patient positioning
• foot

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest.