Influence of Age, Gender, and Obesity on the Mechanical Properties of the Heel Pad under Walking Impact Conditions

Abstract

Impact mechanics of the human heel pad were studied using a ballistic pendulum. Young and elderly men and women took part in the experiment. Twelve parameters were used to describe heel pad properties. Analysis of variance was conducted to assess the influence of age, gender, and obesity. Heel pad properties were correlated with impact force and time to peak force in order to study impact mechanics. Maximal stiffness, peak displacement, and energy absorption were established so as to sufficiently describe impact properties of the heel pad. Age, gender, and obesity introduced significant differences in heel pad properties. Peak displacement and time to peak force increased in the elderly. Women presented a shorter time to peak force together with lower peak displacement, energy absorption, and lower maximal stiffness than men. Obese elderly showed lower impact forces, longer time to peak, and greater peak displacement than non-obese and younger participants. In addition, energy absorption was greater and maximal stiffness was lower for obese than for non-obese participants.

The association between body composition and foot structure and function: a systematic review

“…Of the six studies that assessed foot structure, there were two measures of foot posture that were associated with obesity; that of changes in heel pad properties and planus (low-arched) foot structure. Changes in heel pad properties in obese participants were found to have a large effect size, although this variable was assessed in only one study (27). Two previous systematic reviews (11,53) of foot pain in adults have advised caution interpreting the strength of associations where less than three studies are identified.…”

“…The Quality Index tool allows for assessment of internal and external validity, reporting and statistical power. It consists of 27 items, of which 12 were excluded , as they were not relevant to non‐intervention studies. Item 10 was also omitted for those studies that did not report probability values, and items 5, 21 and 22 were omitted for studies that did not include a control group.…”

“…The mean quality assessment score for these studies was 71%. Alcantara et al (27) examined the impact of body mass on heel pad mechanics in 54 participants. The authors found that impact forces were lower, and time to peak force was longer in obese older people.…”

The impact of obesity on foot morphology in women aged 48 years or older

“…The obesity impact was small to low. Age, gender and obesity have been shown to introduce significant differences in heel properties (Alcantara et al, 2012). Forefoot and heel width have shown the impact of obesity.…”

“…Scientific opinions vary regarding how body composition (body fat and other components) affects the feet. It is believed that body fat mass, rather than changes in foot morphology and structure, may be the cause of an increased mid-foot contact area and, ultimately, fallen arches (Alcantara, Forner, Ferrus, Garcia, & Ramiro, 2012;Butterworth et al, 2014;Wearing et al, 2004). The strength of association between body composition components and foot morphology and structure, likewise foot function, is still unclear (Butterworth et al, 2014).…”