Foot Anthropometric Dimensions of Occupational Wheelbarrow Pushers in Enugu, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: This study explored the impact of occupational wheelbarrow pushing on foot anthropometric dimensions and plantar indices among occupational wheelbarrow pushers (OWBPs) at selected markets in Enugu.

Materials and Methods: This ex-post-facto survey involved 407 participants (204 of OWBPs and 203 non[1]OWBPs). The foot anthropometric characteristics were measured using a measuring tape, vernier callipers, A4 plain white paper, and endorsing ink. The body weight and height were measured using standardized procedures. Data were summarized in mean, standard deviation, frequency count, and percents. An independent T-test was used to test the stated hypotheses at the significance level of 0.05.

Result: The OWBPs had higher values (P<0.001) for foot length, foot width, ball of the foot circumference, ankle height, heel width, dorsal arch height, midfoot width, forefoot width, and rearfoot width, but lower (P><0.001) plantar arch height than non-OWBPs. The Staheli index showed that only 11 right feet and 14 left feet of OWBPs had pes planus while 7 right feet and 10 left feet of the non-OWBPs had pes planus.

Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that there were significant differences between the right and left foot anthropometric measurements of OWBPs. Even though the foot anthropometric indices are greater in OWBPs than the non-OWBPs, the majority of both groups had normal feet. The also results suggest that occupational wheelbarrow pushing increases most foot anthropometric dimensions except plantar arch height. Occupational wheelbarrow pushers have larger feet than non-occupational wheelbarrow pushers and are also prone to developing pes planus.