Comparison of foot posture and foot muscle morphology between lifesaver athletes and healthy adults

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to compare the foot muscle morphology and foot posture between healthy adults and lifesavers in sandy beach sports. The participants included 15 lifesaver athletes and 15 healthy adults. Using a non-contact three-dimensional foot measurement device, the foot length, width, and arch height of the right foot were measured while standing and sitting without back support, and the transverse arch length ratio and arch height index were subsequently calculated. Muscle cross-sectional area was measured using an ultrasound imaging device. Muscle cross-sectional areas, arch height, foot width, arch height index, and transverse arch length ratio were larger in the lifesaver than in the healthy adult group. Lifesavers had higher arches and more developed intrinsic and extrinsic muscles than healthy adults. Performing physical activity while barefoot on sandy beaches may effectively develop the foot intrinsic and extrinsic muscles and raise the arch.

KEYWORDS:

• Lifesaver
• foot intrinsic and extrinsic muscles
• medial longitudinal arch
• transverse arch
• sandy beach

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank the members at our institution for their assistance and Editage for English Language editing.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors. Availability of data and materials