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Gender-specific differences of the foot during the first year of walking
Heidi Unger1, Dieter Rosenbaum
1Movement Analysis Lab, Orthopaedic Department, University Hospital Müenster, Germany.
Insights
Gender-specific differences in children's foot shape and loading patterns are evident from infancy. These findings highlight the need for gender-tailored children's footwear to support healthy foot development.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Biomechanics
- Podiatry
Background:
- Adult foot shape exhibits known gender-specific variations.
- Limited data exists on the presence and developmental timing of these differences in children's feet.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate gender-specific differences in children's foot shape and plantar pressure patterns.
- To determine the developmental stage at which these differences emerge.
Main Methods:
- Evaluated plantar pressure and footprints of 42 healthy infants (20 male, 22 female) over one year.
- Assessed anthropometric data, foot shape, and dynamic foot loading parameters.
- Children were initially evaluated around 16.1 months and followed up quarterly.
Main Results:
- Significant gender-specific differences in foot shape and dynamic loading were observed in young children.
- Boys exhibited a broader midfoot, suggesting a lower arch, compared to girls.
- Girls demonstrated more pronounced dynamic loading in the heel and forefoot regions.
Conclusions:
- Identified gender-specific foot morphology and loading patterns in infants, necessitating consideration in children's shoe design.
- Emphasizes the role of appropriate footwear in supporting healthy foot development and preventing potential disorders.
- Recommends designing children's shoes based on biomechanical needs and distinct gender-specific foot shapes, especially as children begin walking.
Background:
It is is well established that gender-specific differences in foot shape exist in adults. However, no information is available whether these differences are present already in children's feet and at what stage in the development these changes become evident.
Methods:
Plantar pressure patterns and footprints of 42 healthy infants (20 male, 22 female) were evaluated over the course of one year and compared regarding gender-specific differences. The age at initial evaluation of the children was 16.1 months, and they were evaluated every 3 months. Anthropometric data, foot shape, and foot loading parameters for the whole foot, as well as for selected regions of interest, were evaluated.
Results:
Significant differences in the foot shape and dynamic foot loading parameters were noted between boys and girls already at this young age. Boys demonstrated a broader midfoot, indicating a lower arch. Girls showed a more pronounced dynamic loading, especially in the heel and forefoot regions.
Conclusions:
The differences seen in this study should be taken into account by the shoe industry responsible for the design of children's shoes to support healthy development of the growing foot. Foot disorders are not only caused by hereditary factors but may be due to disturbances during foot growth and development. Since today's society is dependent on wearing shoes for foot protection, shoes should be designed not only according to the fashion demands of the customers but also to the biomechanical needs. Therefore, it is important to ensure that shoes fit the shape of the feet, which is different for boys and girls already when walking begins.
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