Effect of Arch Characteristics on Pain in Recreational Runners

Brooke S. Driscoll*, Lauren E. Davis, B.S., Lauren K. Cline, B.S., Erica M. Casto, M.S., Jean L. McCrory, Ph.D.
School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506

Presentation Category: Health Sciences (Poster presentation)

Student’s Major: Exercise Physiology

With the growing popularity of distance running, injury rates of the lower extremity are becoming increasingly common in recreational runners. It is known that foot structure influences foot function, which indicates arch structure and arch rigidity may play a role in injury susceptibility; however, no clear relationship exists between arch height index (AHI), arch rigidity index (ARI), and running-induced pain. The PURPOSE of this study was to examine self-reported pain in the lower limbs in recreational runners with various AHIs and ARIs. METHODS: Following consent, 49 experienced runners completed a visual analog scale (VAS) about pain in five common sites: knee, ankle, calf, shin, and foot. AHI was categorized as high, normal, and low. ARI was categorized as rigid, normal, and flexible. A series of 2-factor chi-square analyses determined if AHI-type was related to overall and site specific pain (α=0.05). Additional analyses determined if ARI-type was related to pain (α=0.05). RESULTS: Approximately half of the subjects reported pain in at least one location. No significant differences were found between arch height and lower limb pain and arch rigidity and lower limb pain. CONCLUSIONS: Results for site-specific pain in runners with high/low or flexible/rigid arches are inconclusive.

Funding: Not funded

Program/mechanism supporting research/creative efforts: WVU's Research Apprenticeship Program (RAP) & accompanying HONR 297-level course