Quantitative Comparison Of Foot Anthropometry Under Different Weight Bearing Conditions Amongst Nigerians

Knowledge of the change in plantar foot shape under weight bearing can offer implications for the design and construction of a comfortable and functional foot support. This study is aimed at quantitatively analyzing the physical differences that exist in linear measurements of the foot in males and females and across both sex under different weight bearing conditions thus providing data for the design and construction of a comfortable foot support in Nigeria. The linear plantar foot shape dimension of 126 subjects (66 males and 60 females) with normal foot were measured under three weight bearing conditions: non-weight bearing, semi-weight bearing, and full-weight bearing. The data analyzed showed that increased weight bearing increased the foot length and foot breadth. Compared with the non-weight bearing foot shape, the semi-weight bearing condition produced increases in male foot length of 2.55% (6.4mm), female foot length of 1.57% (3.7mm), male foot breath of 3.7% (3.4mm), female foot breadth of 5.03% (4.2mm), while the full-weight bearing condition will produce increase in male foot length of 3.03% (7.4mm), female foot length of 2.33% (5.5mm), male foot breadth of 5.44% (5mm), and female foot breadth of 6.35% (5.3mm). The percentage change in foot length and breadth within and across both sexes is statistically significant (p<.05). The findings are useful in considering the change of foot shape in weight bearing during the selection of shoe size and shoe or insole design and construction and to the orthotics during the design of fitting devices for foot support. Also, it can be useful in forensic science.