Efecto de las técnicas de articulación y manipulación sobre los apoyos plantares en el antepié varo infantil

Abstract

Aim

To detect varus forefoot disorder, define the characteristics of plantar pressures and analyze the effect of articulation and manipulation osteopathic techniques to correct this disorder.

Method

A prospective controlled experimental study was carried out in two groups, a control group and a treatment group, with an analysis based on Student's t-test. Articulation and manipulation techniques were applied in 62 pupils between the ages of 6 and 12 years, diagnosed with varus forefoot, in order to correct the affected bone segments. The extent of the forefoot varus angle and the rearfoot valgus was measured using a goniometer. Plantar pressures were measured using a pedobarographic device.

Results

The reduction of the varus forefoot angle was statistically significant in the treatment group. The static evaluation revealed that no mark was registered on the plantar surface either from the midfoot or from the head of the first metatarsal bone. During gait analysis, the trajectory of the pressure center of the foot was linear. The vertical peak force of the forefoot was found on the head of the second and third metatarsal bones.

Conclusions

Goniometry is an effective method to detect disorders due to varus forefoot. The angle of inversion of the metatarsal heads is significantly reduced by the application of articulation and manipulative osteopathic techniques. The correction in the disorder is demonstrated by a more balanced plantar pressure in the foot whilst standing and walking.