Prevalence of flexible flat feet and its association with body mass index among young adults of Malaysian university: a preliminary cross-sectional study

Lukman, Nur Hazimah and Mohd Dar, Shahid (2025) Prevalence of flexible flat feet and its association with body mass index among young adults of Malaysian university: a preliminary cross-sectional study. International Journal of Allied Health Sciences, 9 (2). pp. 3200-3208. E-ISSN 2600-8491

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Abstract

Background: Flexible flat feet (FFF) are common yet often overlooked, especially among young adults. While excess body weight has been suggested as a contributing factor but the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and FFF remains unclear due to conflicting evidence. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of flexible flat feet and examine its association with BMI among young adults. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 190 university students aged 19–26 years. Flexible flat feet were assessed using the Navicular Drop Test and Jack’s Toe-Raising Test. BMI was calculated based on measured height and weight and categorized into four groups. The prevalence of FFF was reported in frequency and percentages, while associations with BMI were analysed using the Chi-square test of independence, with Fisher’s Exact Test applied when Chi-square assumptions were not met. Cramér’s V was used to assess the effect size. Results: Flexible flat feet were identified in 26.3% (n = 50) of participants, with 20.0% having FFF on the left side, 18.4% on the right side, and 12.1% bilaterally. No significant associations were found between BMI and FFF: right foot (Fisher’s Exact Test, p = 0.222; Cramér’s V = 0.152), left foot (Fisher’s Exact Test, p = 0.093; Cramér’s V = 0.180), and bilateral (Fisher’s Exact Test, p = 0.758; Cramér’s V = 0.091). Effect sizes were small in all cases. Conclusion: Flexible flat feet affected nearly one-fifth of the study population. No significant association was found between BMI and FFF, suggesting that BMI alone may not be a reliable indicator of foot posture in young adults. These findings support the need for broader investigations incorporating other biomechanical and lifestyle factors.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Body Mass Index; flat foot; young adult; cross-sectional studies
Subjects:	R Medicine > RM Therapeutics. Pharmacology > RM695 Physical medicine. Physical therapy
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences > Department of Physical Rehabilitation Sciences Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences
Depositing User:	Shahid Mohd Dar
Date Deposited:	31 Jul 2025 09:28
Last Modified:	31 Jul 2025 09:28
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/122389

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