The Influence of Foot Position on Standing Balance on an Unstable Base of Support

The purpose of this study was to compare the balance ability at different foot positions using K A T 2000 (Berg, Inc, vista, CA.1994). Thirty (male 15, female 15) normal subjects participated in this study. All subjects were tested at a one leg position or a two leg position that were toe-in $25^{\circ}$, toe-out $25^{\circ}$, and $45^{\circ}$. The starting position was where the subject crossed their arms across the chest and flexed knees slightily. The results of each test were displayed on a screen in a score format, which indicated balance index. These collected data were analyzed by using one way ANOVA, and t-test. The results of this study were as follows: When changing the angle of the foot in the one-foot and two-foot standing positions, there was no statistically significant difference, but the balance performance with the foot rotated by $25^{\circ}$ was better than that with the foot rotated by $45^{\circ}$. When changing the direction of the foot in the one-foot and two-foot standing positions, there was no statistically significant difference, but the balance performance with the foot rotated laterally was better - except for the case when the foot was medially rotated by $25^{\circ}$ in the right-foot static standing position. When the feet were medially rotated by $25^{\circ}$ in the two-foot static standing position, and were medially rotated by $25^{\circ}$ and $45^{\circ}$ in the one-foot static standing position, the balance performance of females was better than that of males. In this study, it was found that the balance performance of the subjects changed when the position of the foot was shifted on an unstable base of support. However, there was little correlation between balance performance and the height, weight and foot length of the subjects. It is necessary to conduct a follow-up study targeting various age groups and those with various diseases using an unstable platform or applying different physical or visual conditions, such as the length of the legs. Physical therapists need to consider the position of the foot in clinical settings for a better balance training or assessment.