Prevalence of Flat Foot Among School-Age Girls and its Relationship with Body Mass Index and Activity Level

Authors

Hisham Mohamed Hussein, Cairo UniversityFollow
Ehab Kamel, University of HailFollow
Walid Mohamed Kamel, Cairo UniversityFollow
Ibrahim Metwally Dewir, Taif UniversityFollow
Ahmed Abdelmoniem Ibrahim, University of HailFollow

Abstract

Background: The foot and ankle are important structures in the skeletal system of the human body. Deviation in normal structure of the foot,such as in flat foot deformity, can lead to many health problems. Our study aimed to explore the prevalence of flexible flat foot (FFF) among school-age female students in the Ha’il region, Saudi Arabia, and to assess the association between the body mass index (BMI), activity level, and FFF in the selected samples. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 543 female students between 7 and 12 years of age. Data regarding age, height, weight, level of activity, and history of foot and or ankle pain experienced after physical activities were collected. BMI was calculated and FFF was diagnosed using the navicular drop test. Results: The current findings showed that approximately 20% of the studied population had flat feet (FF) and 95 % of them were of the flexible type. The results did not support the existence of a relationship between BMI and the development of FFF. On the other hand, the pain was significantly and positively associated with FF (χ2= 287.657, pConclusions: FFF is high among school-age female children between 7 and 12 years old in Ha’il region, Saudi Arabia. The existence of FF increases the risk of experiencing pain, especially with increasing physical activity.

Author Bio(s)

Dr. Hisham M. Hussein is an associate professor of physical therapy in the Department of Basic Sciences of Physical, Cairo University, Egypt.

Dr. Ehab M. Kamel is an assistant professor in the Department of Public Health, College of Public Health and Health Informatics, University of Ha’il, Ha’il, Saudi Arabia

Dr. Walid M. Kamel is a critical care medical Dr in the Critical Care Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt

Dr. Ibrahim M. Dewir is an associate professor of physical therapy for orthopedic cases in the Department of Physical Therapy, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif, 21944, Saudi Arabia

Dr. Ahmed A. Ibrahim is an associate professor of physical therapy in the Department of Physical Therapy, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Hail, Ha’il, Saudi Arabia

Acknowledgements

none

Recommended Citation

Hussein HM, Kamel E, Kamel WM, Dewir IM, Ibrahim AA. Prevalence of Flat Foot Among School-Age Girls and its Relationship with Body Mass Index and Activity Level. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2025 Jan 17;23(1), Article 29.