TITLE:
Foot Loading Pattern Variations between Normal Weight, Overweight, and Obese Adults Aged 24 to 50 Years
AUTHORS:
Suhad K. R. Al-Magsoosi, Albert K. Chong
KEYWORDS:
An Advanced Foot Pressure Sensor, Gait, Overweight and Obesity, Foot Plantar, Body Mass Index
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biosciences and Medicines,
Vol.7 No.5,
May
17,
2019
ABSTRACT: Recently, health problems related to weight gain and obesity have increased in all age groups, especially adults. Overweight and obese adults are associated with psychological, metabolic and musculoskeletal problems. The aim of this study was to examine foot-loading characteristics during gait of normal-weight; overweight and obese adults aged 25 - 46 years. Methods: This paper outlined tests that were performed on 30 feet of 15 participants. The subjects were gathered in three groups according to their body mass index values, each containing five study participants: five healthy weights (age 35.4 ± 6.3 yrs, BMI 21.9 ± 1.3 kg?/m2) matched to five overweight (age 39.2 ± 6.1 yrs, BMI 27.5 ± 1.34 kg?/m2); and five obese adults (age 36.5 ± 7.8? yrs, BMI 34.5 ± 10.3 kg?/m2. The measurements were compared between these groups and the correlation of body mass index with the foot plantar pressure parameters was assessed. Results: The foot pressure measure in the obese group was greater under the metatarsal heads and the heel of the foot compared to the healthy weight group. Moreover, there were rises in pressure beneath the H, MF, second metatarsal and third metatarsal regions of the foot. It may be considered that in obese individuals, this variation resulted from greater weakness in the ligaments of the foot. As results, the obese group may suffer from discomfort in their feet. The choice of the footwear may depend on the gait and the resulting pain. In addition, they may be less likely to take part in walking or other activities. Therefore, further studies related to these issues, would be advisable. Conclusion: especially, the feet of obese individuals vary from those healthy and overweight adults, because obese subjects’ feet are wider. In the obese was established the greatest foot pressure measure in-creases beneath the heel of the foot and the metatarsal heads.