Affiliations: [a] Doctoral Program in Sports Medicine, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan | [b] Faculty of Health and Sports Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan | [c] Faculty of Education, Kogakkan University, Mie, Japan
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Xiaoguang Zhao, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Science, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577, Japan. Tel.: +81 29 838 5600*8365; Fax: +81 29 838 2602; E-mail:xiaoguangzhao1985@gmail.com
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Different characteristics of foot morphology are
commonly accompanied by altering lower extremity biomechanical
characteristics and foot function. Clarifying what factors affect foot
morphology is helpful in understanding the basis of foot deformity and foot
dysfunction. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate characteristics
of foot morphology and whether related factors such as gender, age, body
mass index (BMI) and bilateral asymmetry have an impact on foot morphology. METHODS: One hundred and eighty adults without exercise habit were
included in this cross-sectional study. Participants were categorized by
gender, age, BMI, and left and right foot respectively to compare foot
morphology differences. The characteristics of foot morphology were measured
using a 3D foot scanner. RESULTS: Compared with females, males had longer, larger and higher
feet. In terms of age differences, older adults had shorter and stiffer
feet. Regarding BMI differences, the value of height and width parameters of
foot was larger, and the value of height of arch also larger in those with
greater BMI. Regarding bilateral asymmetry, the right foot had a higher foot
than the left foot. Multiple linear regression models indicated that gender,
age and BMI significantly affected length and girth parameters of foot together. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that gender has a bigger impact on
length, width, height and girth parameters of foot than BMI or age. BMI has
an impact on both arch height and stiffness. Besides, bilateral asymmetry
affects values of height parameters of foot and arch.
