An assessment of shape of the longitudinal and the transverse foot arch in male and female pole vaulters

Authors

Monika Opanowska, Department of Health Promotion and Posturology, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, PolandFollow
Elzbieta Ptretkiewicz-Abacjew, Department of Health Promotion and Posturology, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, Poland

Abstract

Background: The aim of the research was to assess the longitudinal and the transverse shape of the foot arch in male and female pole vaulters. Material/Methods: The research involved 14 women and 16 men training pole vault professionally and possessing the highest level of sport’s proficiency. The assessment of the foot arch was made in static conditions, using a podoscope. The longitudinal foot arch was assessed by Clarke’s method and the transverse foot arch was based on the calcaneal angle. Results: The obtained results showed that the correct and excessive foot arch occur most frequently. Conclusions: Numerous technical exercises performed by pole vaulters on the forefoot and toes strengthen the foot (shortening muscles responsible for a proper level of the longitudinal and the transverse foot arch) and result in the correct or excessive arch in the right and the left foot.

Recommended Citation

Opanowska M, Prętkiewicz-Abacjew E. An assessment of shape of the longitudinal and the transverse foot arch in male and female pole vaulters . Balt J Health Phys Act. 2015; 7(3): 51-59. doi: 10.29359/BJHPA.07.3.06

DOI

10.29359/BJHPA.07.3.06

Author ORCID Identifier

Monika Opanowska https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6839-5753

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.