The relationship between body mass index and lower extremity biomechanics in children aged 10-12 years: a comprehensive analysis

Abstract

Childhood obesity has emerged as a global health concern leading to complications, such as bones and muscles misalignment of knees, flat feet and changes in walking patterns. Although some studies have individually linked these conditions to body mass index (BMI), the relationship between these variables needs to be explored. This study aimed to investigate the associations between BMI and knee position, foot position and plantar footprint in children aged 10 to 12 years. Data were collected from 59 children by measuring their BMI, knee alignment, foot position and plantar footprint. Spearman’s correlation coefficient was used to examine the relationship between BMI and inter-malleolar distance (DIM), foot position and plantar footprint. The Mann- Whitney U test was used to compare these variables between boys and girls (p-value < 0.05). Higher BMI values were associated with higher DIM in both boys and girls. Furthermore, we observed that genu valgum was positively correlated with foot pronation and a flattened plantar footprint. No significant differences were found in relation to BMI, variations in foot position or footprint types. Our research provides evidence that there is a connection, between BMI and genu valgum in children between the ages of 10 and 12. We have also found a correlation between genu valgum and foot pronation among children in this age group. These findings highlight the significance of addressing childhood obesity to prevent any health issues.