Foot Type and Tibialis Anterior Muscle Activity during Stance Phase of Gait

Background. Normal functioning of the lower limb depends greatly on proper functioning of the foot. Abnormal foot biomechanics, associated with different foot types, can lead to abnormal stresses on proximal muscular structures and end up with musculoskeletal injuries. Method. In an experimental study, tibialis anterior (TA) muscle EMG activity during stance phase of gait was investigated in healthy participants with supinated (n=8), normal (n=10) and pronated (n=10) feet. Subjects walked on a gait analysis treadmill and EMG activity of TA was recorded simultaneously. Total activity of TA during four sub-phases of stance phase was compared between the three groups. Results. No statistically significant difference was found in the EMG activity of TA during any of the sub-phases between supinated, normal and pronated groups (P>0.05). Implications. If TA activity proved to be altered with pronated or supinated feet, it would be important to 1) Provide athletes having these foot types with conditioning exercises for TA to prevent excessive tension predisposing to injury. 2) Consider foot type when rehabilitating patients with lower limb and/or foot problems. Conclusion. Foot type does not affect TA muscle EMG activity during walking, therefore muscular injuries related to TA are unlikely associated to the person's foot type.