Influence of foot strike type on low back pain intensity in amateur runners assessed by the Foot Posture Index (FPI-6)

Authors

  • Pablo Miranda Andrade Author
  • Cecília Leopoldino Valenzi Author
  • Luany Mendonça Mesquita Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.69849/f6tsaj09

Keywords:

road running, low back pain, foot posture, Foot Posture Index, biomechanics

Abstract

Objective: To compare low back pain intensity among amateur runners classified by static foot posture (supinated, neutral, and pronated) using the Foot Posture Index (FPI-6), and to explore the correlation between foot posture score and pain intensity. Methods: Observational, cross-sectional, quantitative analytical study with 45 amateur runners (n=15 per group), classified by FPI-6 into three groups: Neutral (mean FPI-6: +2.07 ± 0.70), Pronated (+7.03 ± 1.30), and Supinated (−0.03 ± 0.83). Low back pain intensity was assessed by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS, 0–10). Kruskal-Wallis test with Dunn post-hoc (Bonferroni correction) was used for intergroup comparison; Spearman correlation for FPI-6 and VAS association (α = 5%). Results: No statistically significant difference in low back pain intensity was found between groups [H(2) = 1.01; p = 0.604; negligible effect size]. VAS medians were: Neutral = 4.0; Pronated = 5.5; Supinated = 5.0. Dunn post-hoc revealed no significant pairwise differences. Spearman correlation: ρ = +0.077 (p = 0.616). As a secondary descriptive finding, prior low back pain history prevalence was 76%, with a numerically higher proportion in the Supinated group (93%). Conclusion: In this crosssectional study, static foot posture assessed by the FPI-6 was not significantly associated with low back pain intensity in amateur runners. The higher proportion of prior low back pain in the Supinated group is a secondary descriptive finding warranting longitudinal investigation. Future studies should incorporate dynamic gait assessment and control for confounding variables.

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Published

2026-04-13

Issue

Vol. 30 No. 157 (2026): Revista ft Edição 157

Section

Artigos

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Copyright (c) 2026 Pablo Miranda Andrade, Cecília Leopoldino Valenzi, Luany Mendonça Mesquita (Autor)

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How to Cite

Andrade, P. M., Valenzi, C. L., & Mesquita, L. M. (2026). Influence of foot strike type on low back pain intensity in amateur runners assessed by the Foot Posture Index (FPI-6). Revista Ft, 30(157), 01-15. https://doi.org/10.69849/f6tsaj09