Impact of Overweight and Flat Foot on Walking Speed in University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: University students are in a transitional phase from adolescence to adulthood, which is a productive period that requires adequate physical fitness to perform daily activities. Walking is one of the most common activities and represents an essential mode of transportation in daily routines. Walking speed varies among individuals, and one factor influencing it is foot posture abnormalities, such as flat foot, which may lead to musculoskeletal complaints and ultimately reduce walking speed. In adults, flat foot is often associated with excessive body mass index (BMI), which increases pressure on the foot arch. This study aimed to explore the relationship between overweight, flat foot, and walking speed.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using purposive sampling. A total of 86 participants meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria, who did not withdraw, were included. BMI was measured, flat foot was assessed using the wet footprint test, and walking speed was evaluated using the 4-meter walk test.

Results: Spearman’s rho correlation analysis revealed no significant association between overweight BMI and flat foot with walking speed (p=0.893, p>0.05), nor between obese BMI and flat foot with walking speed (p=0.723, p>0.05).

Conclusion: The findings indicate that there is no significant relationship between BMI and flat foot with walking speed among university students.