In a unique longitudinal study out of China, researchers looked at the development of the arch structure in children in 3 scans (Footscan® plantar pressure system) over 2 years. They looked at gait data from 33 normal weight children and 26 children with persistent obesity.
Children with persistent obesity
- did not exhibit a significant decrease in the arch index during this important period of development
- had significantly higher plantar pressure values than the normal weight children in the third check
- showed increased load accumulation in the lateral rearfoot, first metatarsophalangeal joints, and the great toe regions
- had significantly greater medial-lateral displacements in the initial contact phase and forefoot contact phase than normal children in the first check, these differences diminished between the second and third checks.
The authors concluded that:
- Development of gait stability could not be constrained by persistent obesity.
- Persistent obesity during arch-important development causes abnormal foot arch.
- Persistent obesity causes the gait pattern with heel inverted and forefoot everted.
- Poor gait induced by high loads cannot improve naturally for at least two years.
Source: Yang L, Liu X, Liu Y, Zheng W, Wang W, Yan S. Altered gait patterns during arch important development period in children with persistent obesity: An experimental longitudinal study. Gait Posture. 2024;111:143-149. DOI:10.1016/j.gaitpost.2024.04.026
