Pediatric foot anthropometry and its correlation with growth assessment

Abstract

Foot dimensions, particularly length and width, are essential anthropometric parameters often used in health, ergonomics, and footwear design. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between foot dimensions, age, and height among children aged 4 to 12 years in Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted with 389 children, randomly selected from schools and community centres. Data were collected using standardised anthropometric measurements, including foot length, foot width, and height, ensuring accuracy and consistency. Pearson’s correlation and independent t-tests were used to examine relationships among variables and to identify sex-based differences. Descriptive statistics revealed variations in foot dimensions across the age groups, with a mean foot length of 19.49 cm and a mean foot width of 6.87 cm. Foot length showed moderate-to-strong correlations with age in younger children (overall r = 0.549, p < 0.001) and a strong correlation with height (r = 0.652, p < 0.001), while foot width exhibited weaker positive correlations with age (r range 0.254–0.513) and height (r = 0.233, p < 0.001). No significant sex differences were observed (all p > 0.05). The findings highlight the progressive changes in foot dimensions with age and height and their potential applications in pediatric health, footwear design, and ergonomic planning.