Comparison of Foot Structure, Function, Plantar Pressure and Balance Ability According to the Body Mass Index of Young Adults

Abstract

Objectives This study compared foot arch height, plantar fascia thickness, a range of motion assessments of the ankle joint, strength of the ankle joint, plantar pressure, and balance between obese and normal weight young adults. Methods Fifty-two participants were required for the present study design to achieve 80% power, 0.8 effect size (η2), and an alpha level of 0.05. The participants were categorized to normal weight or obese groups based on BMI (≤ 24 kg/m 2 and ≥ 25 kg/m 2 , respectively). The foot and ankle disability index and Sport survey were completed by the participants before the measurements. Foot arch height was measured using the navicular drop test, and plantar fascia thickness was measured using ultrasound. Plantar pressure and balance tests were also conducted, followed by ankle joint range of motion and strength tests. Results Foot arch height and plantar fascia thickness was significantly higher in the obese group compared with the normal weight group ( p < 0.01). There were significant differences in eversion of ankle strength, plantar pressure in the big toe and heel and anterior-posterior balance between normal and obese weight groups ( p < 0.05). Conclusion Obese young adults had more abnormalities in the medial longitudinal arch, plantar fascia, and plantar pressure as well as weakened ankle eversion strength and balance problems compared with the normal weight group.

Body weight-dependent foot loads, assessed in terms of BMI and adiposity, in school-aged children: a cross sectional study

“…Park et al 3 , while examining the foot arching, pressure on the plantar part of the foot, and balance among 52 young adults, found more abnormalities in the obese adults than in those characterised by normal body weight. Obese and overweight patients had increased loading on the plantar part of the foot, different thickness of their plantar fascia, and balance problems, as opposed to the ones of normal body weight.…”

“…Obesity is a natural consequence of an imbalance between energy supply and its expenditure. Excessive dietary intake, usually combined with low physical activity, appreciably contribute to an increased weight gain through boosting the proportion of adipose tissue within the body composition 1 – 3 .…”

Standard reference values of weight and maximum pressure distribution in healthy adults aged 18–65 years in Germany

“…This can cause negative biodynamic changes and possibly limit quality of life and physical activity [31]. Obese adults have more anomalies in the longitudinal medial arch, plantar fascia, increased plantar pressure, and balance problems compared to normal-weight adults [32]. The association between obesity, posture, fear of falling, and risk of falling is demonstrated in the study by Neri et al [33], where obesity is associated with a risk of falling due to reduced postural balance and increased fear of falling.…”

The Impact of Overweight and Obesity on Plantar Pressure in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review

“…It can also affect the mobility, physical activity and performance of age-specific everyday activities, as well as musculoskeletal pain issues in different parts of the body. Obesity has an impact on foot structures, with changes in the anatomical structures, an abnormal distribution of the plantar pressure and balance problems [ 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ].…”

“…The foot overload and the changes in plantar pressure parameters due to obesity have an impact on children and adolescents, drawing attention to medical professionals and researchers in the last two decades. Scientific studies have sustained these findings by using various tools for the evaluation of plantar pressure [ 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 ]. The last one is a method of assessing the interaction between foot posture and lower limb biomechanics; by analysing its parameters, the evaluation of the interaction with the entire lower limb can be achieved [ 11 ].…”