Age-related Influence of Obesity on Plantar Pressure in Children Aged 7-14

Obesity is an important factor influencing foot geometry and function, especially for children whose musculoskeletal system are experiencing growth and maturation. The objective of this study was to examine the development of plantar pressure for the obese and normal-weight children aged 7-14 years, and the difference between the two groups in this developing duration. Totally 288 children (138 normal-weight and 150 obese) were included into the data analysis. Plantar pressure measurements were performed during barefoot walking in a self-selected speed. Contact areas, pressure-time integrals (PTI) and force-time integrals in ten plantar regions were obtained to calculate the arch index (AI) and the relative force-time integral (relFTI). Results showed that: the AI and PTI were evidently higher for obese children compared to the normal-weight group. The AI seemed to be even with age for both groups. PTI values of both groups elevated with increasing age and significance appeared from the age of 11. RelFTI values were significantly higher in lateral forefoot (M3-5) and midfoot (MF) for obese children. And the age-related changes of relFTI were different in obese children compared with normal weight ones. Obesity would obstruct normal age-related development of plantar pressure distribution.