Electromyographic Analysis of Large Muscle Activity in Progressive Collapsing Foot Deformity.

This article focuses on the assessment of muscle activity in adult patients with Progressive Collapsing Foot Deformity (PCFD) and its correlation with radiological parameters and functional impairment. Using surface electromyography (sEMG), the study found significantly increased activity in the quadriceps, hamstrings, and gastrosoleus muscles of patients with bilateral PCFD compared to controls with normal feet. Notably, hamstring activity correlated with Meary's angle, a measure of medial arch collapse, and gastrosoleus activity correlated with hindfoot valgus as measured by the hindfoot moment arm. Functional assessment using the Tegner activity questionnaire showed lower activity levels in PCFD patients, indicating that the deformity affects not only the foot but also the knee, lower back, and overall lower limb function, likely due to compensatory muscular mechanisms. The study suggests early recognition and intervention in PCFD may help prevent broader musculoskeletal impairments.