# Foot Morphology Profile in Indonesian Recreational Runners

## TL;DR

This study describes foot shape characteristics in Indonesian recreational runners, finding differences in foot length between males and females but similar arch structures.

## Contribution

Provides first detailed 3D foot morphology data for Indonesian recreational runners, including arch index and heel angle distributions.

## Key findings

- Male runners had significantly longer feet than females (mean 256 mm vs 229 mm).
- Most participants had low arch index values, with similar arch structures between genders.
- Heel angles showed mild variations with only one case of severe angle among all participants.

## Abstract

Background

Foot morphology is influenced by factors such as physical activity, footwear habits, gender, and body mass index (BMI) and plays an important role in fields like orthopedics and sports science. However, data on the foot morphology of Indonesian recreational runners remain limited. This study aimed to describe the foot morphology of Indonesian recreational runners using a 3D foot scanner.

Methods

A cross-sectional study including 50 recreational runners was included. Data were collected using a self-developed questionnaire and foot scanning using a 3D foot scanner UPOD-S during static standing to assess a few parameters, including BMI, arch index (AI), heel angle, foot length, toe type, shoe size, shoe brand, vitamin D supplementation intake, history, and recent foot and leg pain, which were conducted via a physical examination by a foot and ankle surgeon.

Result

This study included 32 male and 18 female recreational runners aged 22-45 years with a mean BMI of 25.0±7.3 and 24.1±4.1, respectively. The average weekly running distance was 13.8 ± 13.1 km, with participants using various shoe brands. Shoe sizes varied from 36 to 44 (European sizing). Heel angles varied: three feet showed neutral, 20 mild, and one severe angle. All participants exhibited a normal or low AI. Toe types included Roman, Egyptian, and Greek types. The mean foot lengths in males were 256.2 ± 11.9 mm (right) and 256.1 ± 12.0 mm (left), and in females, 229.3 ± 8.6 mm (right) and 229.7 ± 8.7 mm (left). The AI values of most recreational runners were classified as low arch.

Conclusion

Male Indonesian recreational runners generally have longer feet than their female counterparts, although the AI values are similar between the sexes, regardless of foot pain. These mild biomechanical variations may have implications for monitoring and preventing musculoskeletal health issues.