COMPARISON OF FOOT BIOMECHANICS AND FUNCTIONS IN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS WITH AND WITHOUT REGULAR EXERCISE HABITS

The foot, a complex structure for the human skeleton, plays a crucial role in providing contact with the ground and facilitating walking. The impact of regular exercise on foot biomechanics and function in young adults remains unclear. This study aims to compare foot biomechanics and function in university students who engage in regular exercise habits with those who do not. A total of 102 students were divided into two groups: having exercise habits (n=51), defined as engaging in moderate-intensity exercise at least three times per week, and not having exercise habits (n=51). Foot biomechanics were assessed using navicular drop (ND), metatarsal width, hallux valgus angle, and subtalar angle. Foot function was evaluated using the Foot Function Index (FFI). Demographic characteristics were similar between the groups (p>0.05). The right-side ND was significantly lower in the regular exercise group (p=0.030). No significant differences were observed in other biomechanical measurements or FFI scores (p>0.05). The ND is lower in university students with exercise habits; however, no difference was found between the groups in other foot biomechanical measurements and foot function. Regular exercise promotes navicular height in young individuals, but further studies are needed to demonstrate its effects on foot biomechanics.