| Impact of Overweight and Obesity on Foot Structure and Functional Performance |
| Paper ID : 1421-SPORTCONGRESS |
| Authors |
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Zeinab Naseri1, Saeed Ilbeigi *2, Farzam Farzan3 1Master's Student in Sports Biomechanics Faculty of Sport Sciences University of Birjand, Birjand, Iran 2Associate Professor of Sports Biomechanics, Department of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Birjand, Birjand, Iran 3Associate Professor Department of Sport Management Faculty of Sport Sciences University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran |
| Abstract |
| Introduction: The foot plays a key role in shock absorption, plantar pressure distribution, and postural stability during standing and walking. Excess body weight disrupts these functions by increasing peak plantar pressures, lowering arch height, and altering pressure distribution and balance. These changes impair gait mechanics and raise the risk of musculoskeletal injuries and functional limitations (Kim, Lewis & Gill, 2021). While many studies have examined individual aspects of foot structure or function, the combined effects of excess body mass on foot morphology and performance remain unclear. This review integrates current evidence to clarify how overweight and obesity affect foot mechanics and highlights strategies to prevent injury and improve function. Methods: A systematic approach was used to examine the effects of overweight and obesity on foot structure and performance. A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for studies published from 2000 to 2025. Eligible studies included participants with overweight or obesity and reported at least one structural parameter (e.g; arch height, plantar pressure) and one functional outcome (e.g; gait, balance, joint kinetics). Studies on congenital deformities, neurological disorders, or unrelated musculoskeletal conditions were excluded. Two reviewers independently screened and extracted data, and findings were synthesized qualitatively. Results: The findings indicated that in individuals with overweight, physiological plantar pressures slightly increased, the longitudinal arch height showed a mild reduction, and pressure distribution exhibited minimal changes, leading to mild-to-moderate impairments in foot function, including balance control and lower limb strength. In individuals with obesity, plantar pressures increased significantly, the longitudinal arch flattened, foot width expanded, and pressure distribution was markedly disrupted, resulting in impaired balance control, restricted joint range of motion, and reduced gait efficiency. Conclusion: Findings indicate that overweight and obesity disrupt plantar pressure, arch height, balance, and gait function; therefore, policymakers should implement preventive |
| Keywords |
| Foot structure; Foot morphology; Plantar pressure; Balance; Functional performance |
| Status: Abstract Accepted (Poster Presentation) |
