Research published in the Journal of Foot and Ankle Research has shown that commonly used ‘basic’ tests employed by physiotherapists may lack classification agreement. This means depending on which test you use, you may well get different results potentially leading to some incorrect analysis.
The study featured rightly points out that:
“While there is a plethora of literature exploring the reliability of different foot classification measures there has been little work exploring the level of agreement between different measures.”
This is with specific reference to static foot tests which are commonly used by physiotherapists even though there is a shift towards dynamic assessment. In summary the results of the findings suggest that careful consideration needs to be made when choosing tests and that they should not be performed in isolation. They should be performed in a battery of tests which improves accuracy of diagnosis and gives you a clearer picture of how an individuals foot responds in different conditions.
The tests featured in this study include: FPI-6, RFA, MLAA & ND.
If you want to learn more about the the clinical importance of these tests don’t forget about the Foot and Ankle Course available to PP+ members.
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What do you think about these tests, does a static assessment still have its place?