Chronic Implications of Bilateral Foot Pattern Variability in Schoolchildren
Magdalena Rodica Traistaru1, Mihai Cealicu2, Daniela Matei1
1Faculty of Nursing, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania.
Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)
|October 29, 2025
Summary
Gait symmetry in children is significantly affected by foot type and body mass index (BMI). Children with normal feet had better symmetry, while mixed foot patterns showed the least, highlighting the importance of monitoring these factors.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric biomechanics
- Musculoskeletal development
- Gait analysis
Background:
- Foot morphology is crucial for childhood musculoskeletal development.
- Medial longitudinal arch variations and excess body weight can impact walking mechanics and plantar structure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between foot type, body mass index (BMI), and gait function in school-aged children.
- To specifically assess gait symmetry as a sensitive indicator of functional imbalance.
Main Methods:
- Evaluated 98 children aged 8-16 years.
- Classified foot type using a pressure platform.
- Assessed gait using wearable sensors, measuring symmetry, speed, cadence, Timed Up and Go (TUG), and Six-Minute Walk Distance (6MWD).
Main Results:
- 47% of participants exhibited mixed bilateral foot patterns.
- Significant associations were found between foot type, BMI, and gait symmetry (p < 0.01).
- Children with normal feet had the highest gait symmetry; mixed patterns had the lowest.
Conclusions:
- Gait symmetry is a sensitive indicator of functional imbalance in children, influenced by foot morphology and BMI.
- Plantar assessment and BMI monitoring are recommended in pediatric evaluations to identify at-risk children early.
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