Estimating Plantar Aponeurosis Thickness (PAT) Using Known Anthropometric Variables: An Ultrasound Based Study

Abstract

The study was carried out to evaluate the possible use of some anthropometric variables to estimate the thickness of plantar aponeurosis (PAT) in an Igbo population in southeast Nigeria. Ultrasound was used to assess PAT and standard anthropometric tools were used to measure height and weight. BMI and BSA were calculated. Results show that Height, weight and BSA were strongly related to PAT (P<0.01). Simple regression equations were derived for each parameter and PAT (dependent variable). Males also had a significantly higher PAT than females. These relationships could serve as a guide in the study of plantar fascia thickening and plantar fasciitis and in the biomechanics of the foot.