Foot Anthropometric Measurement of Primary School Children With and Without Flatfoot: A Comparative Study

Objective: The study determined the prevalence of flatfoot and also compared the foot anthropometric variables of both flatfooted and non-flatfooted primary school Children. Subject and Method: The study utilized a descriptive cross-sectional research design and involved 1071(526 males and 545 females) public school pupils above six years. Foot anthropometry variables were obtained using measuring tape (foot length, ball girth, foot instep and heel circumference) and vernier caliper (forefoot width, mid-foot width and heel width). Flatfoot was diagnosed using Staheli Plantar Index, where values >1.15 indicates flatfoot. The prevalence of flatfoot was obtained using Chi-Square analysis, ANOVA was used to compare body anthropometry (weight, height and body mass index) with side of flatfoot (unilateral, bilateral and no flatfoot), while independent t-test was used to compare the foot anthropometric variables of children with flatfoot and those without flatfoot. Result: The prevalence of flatfoot was 14.75%. 64.3% of males and 71.6% of females have unilateral flatfoot while 30% of males and 41% of females have bilateral flatfoot. There was a significant association between higher prevalence of flatfoot and age with 6 and 7 year old group showing the highest prevalence. There was a significant difference in foot length, forefoot width, heel width and heel Circumference on the right foot and significant difference in foot length and heel Circumference on the left foot between flatfoot and non-flatfoot children. Conclusion: Footwear manufacturers should consider anthropometric data of different foot types while manufacturing foot wears so as to minimizing foot pain, injuries and deformities