Factors affecting foot posture in young adults: a cross sectional study

Objective: Age, Body Mass Index (BMI) and flexibility are factors affecting foot posture, which is poorly understood in young adults. The objective of this study is to discover the relationships among these factors. Methods: 252 healthy participants (106 males, 146 females) between the ages of 18 and 25 were selected. BMI and the Foot Posture Index - 6 item version (FPI-6) were assessed, a Beighton score was obtained for each participant, and a lunge test was conducted. Results: Pronated feet (indicated by an FPI-6 score of 6+ (had a weak positive correlation with Beighton score (r=0.25, p= 0.05, 95% CI [0.01 to 0.47]) and a weak negative correlation with BMI (r=0.31, p = 0.01, 95% CI [-0.52 to -0.07]). Females had a higher prevalence of pronated feet (81.75%) than males (18.75%). Conclusion: There is a mild relationship between ligament laxity and foot pronation, and females are more prone to have pronated feet than males. No correlation was found between body weight and pronated feet.