Static Foot Posture and its Relationship with Clinical Variables in Axial Spondyloarthritis Patients
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to assess static foot posture in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and to examine its association with clinical and postural variables. Materials and methods: Forty-one patients with axSpA and 41 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were included. Static foot posture was evaluated using a podoscope combined with three-dimensional scanning and computerized analysis software. Spinal posture was measured with a digital inclinometer, and spinal mobility was assessed using the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI). Disease activity, functional status, and quality of life were evaluated using the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), and Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life questionnaire (ASQoL), respectively. Results: No significant difference was found between groups regarding the Arch Index (AI) (p = 0.143). However, non-neutral foot postures, including pronated and supinated patterns, were significantly more frequent in the axSpA group (p < 0.001). Lumbar lordosis differed significantly between patients and healthy controls (p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis demonstrated that pain severity was significantly higher in patients with pes planus and pes cavus compared with those with neutral foot posture (p = 0.035 and p = 0.045, respectively). Additionally, AI was significantly associated with pain severity at rest and during activity. Conclusion: Altered static foot posture is common in axSpA. Foot involvement and its functional implications should be evaluated as part of routine clinical assessment, irrespective of disease activity.
Keywords
Ethical Statement
References
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Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Physical Activity and Health, Biomechanics in Sports Science
Journal Section
Research Article
Authors
Yasemin Mirza
*
0000-0002-4367-2355
Türkiye
Jennifer Piatt
0000-0001-5527-8059
United States
Alican Bayram
0000-0001-6570-6344
United States
Adem Küçük
0000-0001-8028-1671
Türkiye
Publication Date
June 30, 2026
Submission Date
February 23, 2026
Acceptance Date
May 8, 2026
Published in Issue
Year 2026 Volume: 15 Number: 2
