Effect of Pronated Foot Posture on the Arabic Version of WOMAC Index in Women with Medial Compartment Knee Osteoarthritis

Abstract
Background: Knee Osteoarthritis (KOA) is one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions affecting old pop-ulation and is rated as the 4th suspected cause of disability by year 2020. Recent studies have reported difference in foot characteristics between people with medial compartment KOA and asymptomatic controls, indicating a more pronated foot posture in those with OA. Abnormal feet position is associated with altered lower extremity functional and muscle activation patterns.
Aim of the Study: To investigate the effect of pronated foot posture on the Arabic Version of WOMAC index in women with knee osteoarthritis.
Patients and Methods: Sixty six female patients with mean ages (61.66±5.77) years and body mass index (28.71± 1.16) Kg/m2 with primary knee osteoarthritis grade II, III only with a radiographic and diagnostic criterion knee pain participated in this study. Foot posture assessment was done first to categorize them into 3 groups (normal, pronated and supinated) feet using foot posture index. Group (A) normal foot consisted of 24 participants. Group (B) pronated foot consisted of 24 participants. Group (C) supinated foot consisted of 18 participants; knee function assessment was done by using the Arabic version of WOMAC index.
Results: The results demonstrated that that there was significant difference between (Group B (pronated) Vs. Group C (supinated)) with significant increase in ArWOMAC subscale for physical function in favor to Group B (pronated) while no significant difference was found in the other two subscales (pain and stiffness)of the ArWOMAC index (F=1.368, p= 0.203).
Conclusion: It can be concluded that there was a significant effect of pronated foot posture on physical function subscale of ArWOMAC index in KOA, while all other foot postures don't affect pain, stiffness or physical function subscales of ArWOMAC index in patients with KOA.