The objective of this study was to analyze the differences in foot measurements of Ecuadorian children according to their geographical location of residence, taking into account climatic differences (1). A total of 1662 children (2) participated in the study. Three groups were established: coast, mountains and amazonia. The type of footwear (3) used was recorded and the lengths, widths, perimeters, heights and angles of both (4) feet were analyzed with a 3D foot digitizer (5). The variable ‘fitting of the foot to footwear’ was also obtained. Children living in coastal areas presented greater lengths, widths, perimeters and heights compared to those living in the mountain (p > 0.001) and amazonia (p < 0.001) between ages 5 to 13. Mountain residents showed a greater first toe angle than coast residents (p > 0.001) aged 8 to 17. Children used shoes smaller than required by their foot length (p < 0.01). Ecuadorian children from the coast presented longer and wider feet with higher foot arches, whilst those from mountains presented greater first toe angle. The studied sample used footwear up to one size smaller than the size corresponding to their foot length. The fitting and type of footwear used according to climatic differences could be interfering with normal foot development.

An excess of body weight can produce morphological changes in the feet of children. The aim of this study was to assess the morphological differences of the foot in children based on their body mass index and to determine the risk factors for the development of a hallux valgus in childhood and adolescence. One Thousand Six Hundred Seventy-Eight children (5–17 years) were classified as group with obesity, overweight, and normal weight. Lengths, widths, heights and angles of both feet was measured with a 3D scanner. The risk of developing hallux valgus was calculated. Group with overweight and obesity presented longer feet (p = 0.00), wider metatarsals (p = 0.00) and wider heels (p = 0.00). Arch height was lower (p > 0.01) in the group with obesity, and the hallux angle was greater in the group with normal weight (p < 0.05). The relative risk of a lateral hallux deviation increases with age, foot length and heel width (Exp (B) > 1). Children with overweight and obesity had longer and wider feet. The arch height was higher in children with overweight, and lower in children with obesity. Age, foot length, and heel width could be risk factors for the development of hallux valgus, while metatarsal width and arch height could be protective factors. Monitorization of the development and characterization of the foot in childhood as a clinical tool could help professionals to early identify the patients presenting risk factors and prevent future deformities and other biomechanical conditions in adulthood by implementing protecting measures.

Background:To analyze the changes in foot morphology in school-age children after a Physical Education lesson. Methods: A total of 10 school-age children (five girls and five boys) with a mean age of 9.3 ± 0.5 years that voluntarily participated in this study were included. Measurements of both feet were obtained using a 3D foot digitizer model IFU-S-01 (Japan) in two different moments, before and after a physical education lesson (per-exercise and post-exercise), where different activities involving displacements, jumps, and landings were performed. Results: By comparing foot morphology before and after exercise, significant differences in the arch height were found, which increased after exercise (p<0.05). Forefoot width shows greater changes after exercise but without significant differences (p= 0.07; effect size [ES] = 0.2). Furthermore, a positive correlation between forefoot width and the arch height (p<0.05) and a negative correlation between the distance from the heel to the first metatarsal and the ball width (r = -0.7; p<0.05), were observed. Conclusions: The type of activities undertaken during physical education lesson (displacements, jumps, and landings) increased the pressure on the forefoot, which would lead to larger arch height. Development of children's sport footwear systems should take into account the foot lengths, widths, and heights, for a better fit, preventing future musculoskeletal injuries.

The type of activities undertaken during physical education lesson (displacements, jumps and landings) increased the pressure on the forefoot, which would lead to a lager arch height. Development of children's sport footwear systems should take into account the foot lengths, widths and heights, for a better fit, preventing future musculoskeletal injuries.