Heel fat pad dynamics during loading cycles: an in-vivo study ―Effect of height and weight on heel fat pad movements between microchamber and macrochamber layers in loading and unloading cycles

Abstract

Abstract Background This study aimed to determine the effect of height and weight on heel fat pad thickness between microchamber and macrochamber layers during loading-unloading cycles. Methods The subjects performed loading-unloading movements, and the thickness change of the heel fat pad was measured. We examined the relationship between height and weight and the rate of change in the thickness of the microchamber and macrochamber layers of the heel fat pad when 0–100% load was applied. Results Significant changes were observed in the macrochamber layer. The thicknesses of the microchamber and macrochamber layers of the heel fat pad increased with increasing height and weight. Conclusions Function may differ between the microchamber and macrochamber layers of the heel fat pad. With increasing height and weight, the thickness of the microchamber and macrochamber layers increased, but the thickness change of the macrochamber layers decreased.