Short-Term Foot and Postural Adaptations During an Industrial Workday: A Workplace-Based Biomechanical Assessment

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Occupational Health
• Podiatry

Background:

• Prolonged standing is prevalent in industrial settings, potentially affecting foot and postural function.
• Assembly line work involves sustained standing, necessitating an understanding of its physiological impacts.
• Previous research suggests links between standing and musculoskeletal issues, but short-term foot adaptations require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate short-term changes in foot posture and plantar pressure distribution among assembly line workers after an 8-hour workday.
• To assess the impact of prolonged standing on foot arch height, plantar pressure, and contact area.
• To correlate foot morphological changes with self-reported discomfort and functional status.

Main Methods:

• Forty assembly line workers underwent static baropodometry and 3D foot scans before and after an 8-hour shift.
• Plantar pressure, contact area, and arch height were measured using specialized equipment.
• Discomfort and functional status were evaluated using the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ) and Foot Function Index (FFI).

Main Results:

• A significant decrease in left-foot arch height (0.6 mm) was observed post-workday (p=0.027).
• Mean and peak plantar pressures decreased significantly (p<0.001), with moderate reductions in contact area (p≤0.05).
• The center of pressure shifted mediolaterally, and discomfort was highest in the lower back, knees, and feet. Arch height reduction correlated positively with FFI scores (r=0.349, p=0.028).

Conclusions:

• Sustained standing induces measurable short-term adaptations in foot posture and plantar pressure distribution.
• These changes may reflect transient fatigue or compensatory postural adjustments in response to prolonged standing.
• Assessing plantar load and foot morphology is crucial for identifying functional responses to standing and informing ergonomic and rehabilitation strategies.