Correlation of Obesity and Flat-Foot in Haemophilic Adolescents in Karad

Abstract

BACKGROUND Haemophilic patients are more prone to obesity, due to physical inactivity which is a predisposing factor for structural and functional deformities. In obese people, long term loading has negative impact on lower limb and foot, which causes deformities like flat-foot. In foot, the primary component responsible for absorption and dissipation of forces is medial longitudinal arch and in flat-foot this arch is collapsed. Flat-foot causes pain and discomfort during weight bearing activities. In Haemophilic patients, obesity and flat-foot lead to further postural complications. As no study has been conducted on this topic before, we decided to study on this. The objectives of this study were to assess obesity, flat-foot and co relate obesity and flat-foot in Haemophilic adolescents. METHODS Height and weight of participants were measured to calculate BMI. Total 36 participants were chosen for this study. The subjects were assessed for flat-foot by using Staheli’s Plantar Arch Index. Footprints were taken to calculate the plantar index. The Staheli’s Plantar Arch Index was measured by dividing the width of central region by width of heel region on footprint, which was calculated as: a line tangent to the medial edge of forefoot and heel region, then a perpendicular line was drawn medially to laterally from mid - point of tangent line in central region of footprint (A) and similarly another perpendicular was drawn from heel region (B). The plantar index was then calculated by dividing value A with value B. RESULTS Flat-foot was seen in 25 % population having BMI between 33 - 35. Our data also suggested that age affects the medial arch of foot, the elder population showed increased percentage of flat-foot than the younger group. Individuals with type A haemophilia had increased percentage of flat-foot when compared with type B haemophiliacs, as type A haemophilia is considered severe type. CONCLUSIONS The results show that there is high prevalence of flat-foot in haemophilic patients, this requires rehabilitation and can help prevent further complications. KEY WORDS Haemophilia, Obesity, Flat-foot