Article

Obesity is a world-wide health problem and is strongly associated with
musculoskeletal disorders of the lower limb. The aim of this study was to
evaluate plantar loading patterns in obese and non-obese individuals, while
accounting for the contribution of foot structure, range of motion and walking
speed. Sixty-eight participants (mean+/-SD age, 52.6+/-8.0 years), including 47
females (69%), underwent assessments of body mass index, foot pain and foot
structure. Plantar pressures were also obtained, using a floor-mounted resistive
sensor mat system. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine which
variables were most strongly associated with plantar loading patterns. Obese
individuals exhibited flatter feet, reduced inversion-eversion range of motion,
and higher peak plantar pressures when walking. After accounting for foot
structure and walking speed, bodyweight was found to be significantly associated
with elevated loading of the foot, particularly the forefoot and midfoot. These
findings suggest that obesity increases the stresses applied to the foot
directly, via increased bodyweight, and indirectly, via alterations to foot
structure, which may partly explain the link between obesity and the development
of foot pain. Clinicians dealing with foot problems should consider the effect of
increased bodyweight on plantar loading in obese patients.
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Langue : ANGLAIS