• Irving DB
• Cook JL
• Young MA
• Menz HB

• Fasciitis, Plantar / etiology
• Foot Diseases / etiology
• Obesity / complications
• Pain / etiology
• Pronation

METHODS: Eighty participants with CPHP (33 males, 47 females, mean age 52.3 years, S.D. 11.7) were matched by age (+/- 2 years) and sex to 80 control participants (33 males, 47 females, mean age 51.9 years, S.D. 11.8). The two groups were then compared on body mass index (BMI), foot posture as measured by the Foot Posture Index (FPI), ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM) as measured by the Dorsiflexion Lunge Test, occupational lower limb stress using the Occupational Rating Scale and calf endurance using the Standing Heel Rise Test.

RESULTS: Univariate analysis demonstrated that the CPHP group had significantly greater BMI (29.8 +/- 5.4 kg/m2 vs. 27.5 +/- 4.9 kg/m2; P < 0.01), a more pronated foot posture (FPI score 2.4 +/- 3.3 vs. 1.1 +/- 2.3; P < 0.01) and greater ankle dorsiflexion ROM (45.1 +/- 7.1 degrees vs. 40.5 +/- 6.6 degrees; P < 0.01) than the control group. No difference was identified between the groups for calf endurance or time spent sitting, standing, walking on uneven ground, squatting, climbing or lifting. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that those with CPHP were more likely to be obese (BMI > or = 30 kg/m2) (OR 2.9, 95% CI 1.4 - 6.1, P < 0.01) and to have a pronated foot posture (FPI > or = 4) (OR 3.7, 95% CI 1.6 - 8.7, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION: Obesity and pronated foot posture are associated with CPHP and may be risk factors for the development of the condition. Decreased ankle dorsiflexion, calf endurance and occupational lower limb stress may not play a role in CPHP.

This abstract is reproduced with the permission of the publisher; click on the above link for full text. PMID: 17506905