The association between flat feet and body mass index in various age groups

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The arches of the feet serve as an adaptive support for the entire body to drive away the forces of weight bearing and cause less energy consumption during the gait cycle. The arches of the feet are a tough, elastic network of ligaments, tendons and fascia between the forefoot and the hind foot. Though the flat feet are usually asymptomatic, but it can alter the biomechanics of the lower extremities and even the lower spine causing an increased risk of pain and injury. There are various studies who claim the association between obesity and flat feet in children’s. To know the association of flatfeet and BMI in other age group,this study was carried out. Methodology: Observational research with a cross sectional design was carried out at the physiotherapy OPD on 90 subjects which was selected by inclusion and exclusion criteria in the duration of 1 year. Group wise distribution was done by using purposive sampling. 3 groups were formed accounting their age. Result: There is significant association between gender and Flat foot, where males in age groups 10-18 yr and 19-30 yr are more affected. BMI and flatfoot also showed significant association in above 2 age groups. When the analysis of variance (ANOVA) of average BMI was compared to the flat foot, there was a significant result in both same groups A. No significant results were found in chi square for association between age and Flatfeet. Conclusion: Present study concludes that there is a association between BMI and Flat Feet in children’s between 10-18 years of age and adults between 19-30 years of age.