Foot Posture Index (FP1-6)

Original Editor - Rachael Lowe

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Objective

The FPI-6 is a novel method of rating foot posture using set criteria and a simple scale. It is a measure of standing foot posture and so is not a replacement for gait assessment where time and facilities exist. It is however a more valid approach than many of the static weightbearing and non-weightbearing goniometric measures currently used in clinic.

Method of Use

The patient should stand in their relaxed stance position with double limb support. The patient should be instructed to stand still, with their arms by the side and looking straight ahead. It may be helpful to ask the patient to take several steps, marching on the spot, prior to settling into a comfortable stance position. During the assessment, it is important to ensure that the patient does not swivel to try to see what is happening for themself, as this will significantly affect the foot posture. The patient will need to stand still for approximately two minutes in total in order for the assessment to be conducted. The assessor needs to be able to move around the patient during the assessment and to have uninterrupted access to the posterior aspect of the leg and foot. If an observation cannot be made (e.g. because of soft tissue swelling) simply miss it out and indicate on the datasheet that the item was not scored.  If there is genuine doubt about how high or low to score an item always use the more conservative score.

Reference

Redmond AC., Crosbie J., Ouvrier RA. Development and validation of a novel rating system for scoring foot posture: the Foot Posture Index. Clinical Biomechanics 2006, 21:1; 89-98

Evidence

Menz H (1998). Alternative techniques for the clinical assessment of foot posture. JAPMA; 88(3):119-129

Evans A et al (2003). Reliability of the foot posture index and traditional measures of foot position. JAPMA; 93(3): 203-213

Reliability

The FPI-6 is a quick, simple and reliable clinical tool which has demonstrated good inter-rater reliability when used in the assessment of the paediatric foot.

Validity

The FPI-6 has been subjected to evaluation against the Rasch statistical model. This analysis confirms the construct validity of the six-item instrument and the linearity of the metric output.

Links

The Foot Posture Index homepage from Leeds University

The Foot Posture Index manual

The Foot Posture Index datsheet

Recent Related Research (from Pubmed)

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References

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