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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Comparisons of foot anthropometry and plantar arch indices between German and Brazilian children

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Author(s):
Sacco, Isabel C. N. [1] ; Onodera, Andrea N. [1] ; Bosch, Kerstin [2] ; Rosenbaum, Dieter [3, 4]
Total Authors: 4
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Sch Med, Phys Therapy Speech & Occupat Therapy Dept, Sao Paulo - Brazil
[2] St Vincenz Hosp, Social Pediat Ctr, Childrens Clin, Gait Lab, Coesfeld - Germany
[3] Univ Hosp Munster, IEMM, Movement Anal Lab, Munster - Germany
[4] Univ Klinikum Munster, Zentrum Muskuloskelettale Med, Inst Expt Muskuloskelettale Med, Funktionsbereich Bewegungsanalyt, D-48149 Munster - Germany
Total Affiliations: 4
Document type: Journal article
Source: BMC PEDIATRICS; v. 15, FEB 12 2015.
Web of Science Citations: 4
Abstract

Background: Nowadays, trades and research have become closely related between different countries and anthropometric data are important for the development in global markets. The appropriate use of anthropometry may improve wellbeing, health, comfort and safety especially for footwear design. For children a proper fit of footwear is very important, not constraining foot growth and allowing a normal development. The aim of this study was to compare the anthropometric characteristics of German and Brazilian children's feet from 3 to 10 years of age. Methods: We compared five indirect measures of two databases of children's feet. Forefoot, midfoot and rearfoot widths were measured in static footprints and the Chippaux-Smirak and Staheli indices of the longitudinal arch were calculated. Results: Brazilian children showed a significantly narrower forefoot from 5 to 10 years, wider rearfoot from 3 to 4 years, wider midfoot for 4 year-olds and narrower midfoot for 10 year-old children. Nevertheless, the Chippaux-Smirak and Staheli indices showed no group differences. The only exception was for 4 year-old Brazilian children who showed a higher Chippaux-Smirak index compared to German children (48.4 +/- 17.7%; 42.1 +/- 13.8%). Conclusions: Our study revealed anthropometric differences in absolute forefoot and rearfoot widths of German and Brazilian children, but a similar longitudinal arch development. At 4 years of age, Brazilian children present a foot anthropometry similar to the 3 year-olds and develop the plantar longitudinal arch from 4 to 5 years more rapidly when compared to German children. (AU)