Feet positioning in the semi-static postural evaluation through photogrammetry: a systematic review

Abstract

Photogrammetry is a relatively simple and objective instrument of evaluation that provides accurate and reproducible quantitative results, if applied rigorously, existing nowadays several protocols. The main purpose was to systematically review the utilized feet positioning to conduct a semi-static postural evaluation through photogrammetry. It was performed a systematic review of observational studies and clinic trials using the keywords “photogrammetry” and “spinal postural evaluation” to conduct searches on scientific databases. The eligibility criteria adopted were: utilize the photogrammetry to evaluate children, teenagers, adults or elders with or without pathologies; explicit the utilized feet positioning to conduct the evaluation; and be written in English, Portuguese or Spanish. The methodological quality was assessed by Downs and Black scale and the strength of evidence by the best evidence synthesis. It was found 1.786 articles and 40 were included in this review. The main feet positioning found were: self-referred, separated and in parallel, united and in parallel and standard self-referred. The review exhibited strong strength of evidence in the methodological quality assessment. Considering the main feet positioning found, it is considered primordial that the selection of evaluation methodology respects the specific instructions of each analysis protocol or software.