Comparison of Rearfoot Kinematics during Heel Rise among Logistics Service Workers with Pronated, Normal, and Supinated Foot Postures

Background Workers in logistics services encounter considerable physical challenges, as ankle injuries constitute the second-highest prevalence among occupational musculoskeletal conditions. Purpose To compare rearfoot kinematics during unilateral heel rise among logistics service workers with pronated, normal, and supinated foot types. Study design Cross-sectional observational study Methods A total of 236 logistics service workers were classified into three groups based on navicular drop measurements: supinated foot (n=48), normal foot (n=111), and pronated foot (n=77). We utilized smartphone-based two-dimensional motion capture combined with Kinovea analysis software to evaluate rearfoot stance position angle at initial position (RSPA_IP), terminal position (RSPA_TP), and rearfoot movement during heel rise (RMHR). Analysis of covariance with age as a covariate was performed to compare kinematic variables among groups, followed by post-hoc pairwise comparisons with Bonferroni correction. Results Significant differences were observed among groups for RMHR (F=5.015, p=0.007). The pronated foot group was confirmed significantly greater rearfoot movement (6.37±5.76°) compared to both supinated (3.60±5.07°, p=0.007) and normal foot groups (4.29±5.26°, p=0.008). No significant differences were found for RSPA_IP, RSPA_TP, or plantar flexion angle among groups. Conclusions Pronated feet exhibit significantly greater rearfoot excursion during heel rise compared to normal and supinated feet, suggesting that foot type influences dynamic movement patterns rather than static positioning. These findings support implementing foot type-specific screening and interventions in occupational health programs for logistics workers.