Anthropometric measurement of the feet of Chinese children

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a nationwide anthropometric survey conducted on children in China. Foot length and foot breadth were measured from 20,000 children with age ranged from 4 to 17 years old by 3D foot scanner. Mean values, standard deviations, and the 5th, 95th percentile for the two items were estimated. The dimension difference between age and gender were discussed, and the classification of foot shape was analyzed. It was found that the mean values of the dimensions showed a gradual increase by age. The dimensions had no significant difference between genders for the children from 4 to 12, but the difference became significant for the children from 13 to 17. For both boys and girls, the intermediate type foot has the greatest proportion. These data, previously lacking in China, can benefit the children's products design. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.