Reliability and Accuracy of Static Parameters Obtained From Ink and Pressure Platform Footprints

J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2016 Sep;39(7):510-517. doi: 10.1016/j.jmpt.2016.07.005. Epub 2016 Aug 28.

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy and the intrarater reliability of arch angle (AA), Staheli Index (SI), and Chippaux-Smirak Index (CSI) obtained from ink and pressure platform footprints.

Methods: We obtained AA, SI, and CSI measurements from ink pedigraph footprints and pressure platform footprints in 40 healthy participants (aged 25.65 ± 5.187 years). Intrarater reliability was calculated for all parameters obtained using the 2 methods. Standard error of measurement and minimal detectable change were also calculated. A repeated-measure analysis of variance was used to identify differences between ink and pressure platform footprints. Intraclass correlation coefficient and Bland and Altman plots were used to assess similar parameters obtained using different methods.

Results: Intrarater reliability was >0.9 for all parameters and was slightly higher for the ink footprints. No statistical difference was reported in repeated-measure analysis of variance for any of the parameters. Intraclass correlation coefficient values from AA, SI, and CSI that were obtained using ink footprints and pressure platform footprints were excellent, ranging from 0.797 to 0.829. However, pressure platform overestimated AA and underestimated SI and CSI.

Conclusions: Our study revealed that AA, SI, and CSI were similar regardless of whether the ink or pressure platform method was used. In addition, the parameters indicated high intrarater reliability and were reproducible.

Keywords: Data Accuracy; Flatfoot; Foot Deformities; Foot Diseases; Reliability.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Data Accuracy
  • Female
  • Foot*
  • Humans
  • Ink*
  • Male
  • Pressure*
  • Reproducibility of Results