Does Body Mass Index Affect the Symmetry Index Between Preferred and Nonpreferred Foot

Abstract

Objective: The presence of symmetry between the superior and non-superior legs prevents muscle imbalance and leads to the prevention of sports injuries. Therefore, this study aimed to answer the question: Does body mass index affect the symmetry index between preferred and non-preferred foot? Methods: A total of 44 young girls were purposefully divided into two groups (Body Mass Index range of 25 to 30 as an overweight group and Body Mass Index range of 18.50 to 24.99 as a normal weight group) participated in this study. Subjects’ foot index data were recorded using a camera pedoscope while maintaining static balance. An independent t-test was used to compare the results between groups and paired t-test was used to compare the results within the group to examine the studied samples. Tests were analyzed at a significance level of 0.05 using SPSS software V. 24. Results: Results show symmetry index of the preferred and non-preferred foot of the overweight group ranged from 0.72 to 1.41 and in the normal group was 0.76 to 1.43, and the results were not significant (P>0.05). This means that the preferred and non-preferred foot of the subject had symmetry in both groups. Conclusion: The present study’s findings showed that body mass index does not affect the foot symmetry index. It is suggested that research be conducted to determine whether obesity influences the symmetry index.

Keywords

• symmetry
• preferred and non-preferred foot
• body mass index