INFLUENCE OF BODY MASS INDEX ON FLATFEET AMONG YOUNG ADULTS: AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Flatfoot (pes planus) is when the foot arch collapses, affecting the sole to touch the ground. This study scrutinizes its prevalence in young adults and the connection between flatfoot and Body Mass Index.

Objective: To analyze the relationship between flatfootedness and obesity.

Methods: An observational study was conducted with a sample of  150 young adults fitting in inclusion criteria.  The targeted population of this study was undergraduates and postgraduate students of 18-35 years age young adults, having flatfeet without any congenital deformity. Different outcomes of the study that as height and weight by using standard apparatus, footprint method (Arch index), and Denis method were assessed for each subject. 

Results: The prevalence of flat foot in a population of  18  to 35-year-old young adults was found greater in males and there was a 60% presence of bilateral pes planus in the targeted population. A significant difference was found between the body mass index and Denis method but with no significant difference in body mass index (BMI) on pes planus. 

Conclusion: From our study, we concluded that the prevalence of flat foot in a population of  18  to  35  years young adults is higher in males and there was no significant difference according to gender. The 60% population is affected with bilateral flatfeet and a majority of subjects have flatfeet with the severity of grade 1. There is no significant relation between BMI with pes planus.