Consequences of Paediatric Obesity on the Foot and Ankle Complex

by MASS4D® Prescription Orthotics October 24, 2016

The aim of the study was to compare the structural and functional characteristics of the foot and ankle complex in obese and non-obese children.

Ten obese and non-obese children were recruited for the study.

All participants were tested barefoot with their feet positioned shoulder-width apart.

Arch height measurements were taken while the participant was sitting (nonweightbearing) and standing (weightbearing).

Arch height parameters were calculated to assess the effect of excess mass on foot mobility.

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Arch height index was used to measure foot flexibility when moving from a seated to a standing position.

Arch drop was used to determine the amount of flexibility that occurs in the foot when transferring from a nonweightbearing to a weightbearing position.

The forefoot-rearfoot relationship was used to describe the effect of the forefoot on pronation through the identification of foot type.

The resting calcaneal stance position was measured with the participant standing and the feet positioned shoulder-width apart. This was done to determine whether the hindfoot was in a varus or valgus position.

The malleolar valgus index was used to quantify the degree of pronatory malalignment in the rearfoot while weightbearing.

Active ankle dorsiflexion was measured with the participant prone on a plinth and the knee at 0 degree of extension and 90 degrees of flexion.

The obese participants had 33% less active ankle dorsiflexion at 90 degrees of knee flexion than did the non-obese participants.

The obese participants had 76% greater arch drop and a 3% lower arch rigidity index ratio than the non-obese participants.

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References:

1. Sarah P. Shultz, Michael R. Sitler, Ryan T. Tierney, Howard J. Hillstrom, Jinsup Song (2012) Consequences of Paediatric Obesity on the Foot and Ankle Complex. Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association: January/February 2012, Vol. 102, No.1 pp. 5-12

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