An Observational Study on the Association of Foot Posture Index and Categorised BMI Among Young Female Adults Aged Between 18-24 Years

Background: Foot position plays a crucial role in various aspects of posture, gait, athletic performance and even daily life activities among every individual. Previous research suggests variation in foot posture may be associated with body composition. However, the association of foot posture and categorized BMI among young female adults is still unclear. Objective: This study aims to explore the association between Foot Posture Index (FPI) and categorized BMI among young female adults aged between 18-24 years. Methodology: Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 50 female college going students aged between 18-24 were included in this study. BMI was calculated with weight in kilogram and height in meter square. The foot posture was evaluated using Foot Posture Index (FPI-6) criteria as an outcome measure with subject in standing position, meanwhile the subjects were instructed to position the upper limbs along the trunk with eyes directed forward, without any movement such as inclinations and rotations that could interfere with the measurement. Results: Inferential statistics had been carried out in the study by using Fisher’s exact test. Level of significance was set at 5%. The Fisher’s exact test result showed that there is no significant association (P>0.05) between FPI and categorized BMI. Conclusion: The study concluded that there is no significant association between Foot Posture and categorized BMI among young female adults aged between 18-24 years. Key words: BMI, Foot, Foot Posture Index, Pronation, Young Females, Foot Posture, Foot Position.