Effect of training profile and Body Mass Index on foot health

Vollständiger Abstract

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Introduction: Foot health is a multidimensional construct that encompasses pain, functionality, and footwear suitability, which has been associated with multiple clinical and demographic factors. However, the evidence regarding the role of Body Mass Index (BMI) and physical activity on foot health remains controversial, mainly due to the lack of control of confounding variables. Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the association of training profile and BMI on foot health, adjusting for sex and age. Methodology: An observational analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in 270 adults (147 women and 123 men; age 44.07 ± 17.10 years; BMI 27.42 ± 4.93 kg/m2). Foot health was assessed using the Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ) in its Spanish validated version. Multiple linear regression models were applied, adjusted for sex and age. Results: Compared with sedentary participants, the concurrent and strength profiles were associated with higher total and function scores, the strength profile additionally with higher footwear scores, and the aerobic and concurrent profiles with higher general foot-health scores. A higher BMI was associated with lower pain, function and total scores, although this inverse association became non-significant under heteroskedasticity-robust standard errors. Conclusions: BMI and training profile are associated with foot health in a differentiated manner. Training profiles that include strength or concurrent training showed the most consistent associations with better foot health, whereas BMI showed only a weak inverse trend. Preventive strategies should therefore promote regular physical activity that incorporates strength-oriented training and body-weight management.