Abstract
Objective. Previous research has shown that obese children have thicker plantar fat pads compared to non-obese children. As it is uncertain how this thickness influences dynamic foot function, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between dynamic plantar pressures generated beneath the feet of school-aged children and their medial midfoot fat pad thickness measures. Methods and procedures. Height and weight were measured, and BMI calculated, for 252 children aged 6.0–9.9 y (mean ± SD 8.1 ± 1.0 y, 112 boys). Medial midfoot plantar fat pad thickness was quantified using ultrasonography and dynamic plantar pressure distributions were measured using a pressure platform. Data were correlated to establish the strength of the relationships among BMI, plantar fat pad thickness and medial midfoot plantar pressures. Results. Both medial midfoot plantar fat pad thickness and medial midfoot plantar pressure were significantly correlated with BMI (r = 0.401, P < 0.001 and r = 0.465, P < 0.001, respectively). Although medial midfoot plantar pressure significantly correlated with midfoot plantar fat pad thickness during non-weight bearing (r = 0.294, P < 0.001) and weight bearing (r = 0.289, P < 0.001), the strength of the relationships was low. Conclusion. Additional medial midfoot fat padding in obese school-aged children appears to reflect their excess body mass rather than an adaptation to cushion pressures associated with this increased body mass. Further investigation is required to identify probable short- and long-term functional limitations resulting from increased pressures generated beneath the feet of obese children when walking.
Acknowledgements
The authors thank the research teams from the Hunter Illawarra Kids Challenge Using Parent Support (HIKCUPS) project, an Australian National Health & Medical Research Council funded project (354101), for their support during participant recruitment.
Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.