Foot arch asymmetry and its correlations with physical fitness level and body mass index among school-aged children

Abstract

Purpose

To assess potential differences in foot arch structure between the left and right feet and how this is connected to physical fitness and BMI in school-age children.

Methods

437 children (6–16 years) participated and were divided into group 1 (n = 188, aged 6–9 yrs), and group 2 (n = 249, aged 10–16 yrs). Bilateral foot arches' absolute values were obtained using a digital pressure platform, and arches' types based on the Chippaux-Smirak-Index (CSI) (high, normal, flat arches) were identified. Physical fitness levels using the modified Zuchora test's total score and categorization level, and the BMI were determined for all children.

Results

Abnormal foot arches were more common in the non-dominant left foot compared to the dominant right foot, with a higher occurrence of high arches than flat feet in both groups. The foot arch CSI-mean values were significantly asymmetrical, with the left foot showing higher values (0.23 ± 0.17) than the right foot (0.22 ± 0.16) (p = 0.004). Group 2 showed a notable direct relationship between children's BMI and the CSI-absolute values of both left (p = 0.009) and right (p = 0.030) foot arches. While group 1 showed a strong link between children's BMI and left-foot CSI-absolute values (p = 0.028), there was no such correlation with right-foot CSI-absolute values (p = 0.055). Nonetheless, there was no significant correlation found between the left/right foot arches CSI-absolute values and either the children's gender or their overall physical fitness scores in both groups.

Conclusion

It is recommended to pay closer attention to the health impacts associated with the non-dominant foot and high arches as the left foot is more susceptible to abnormal arches, with high arches being more prevalent than flat arches.