Abstract

Obesity has emerged as a major global health concern and may influence the mechanics of locomotor movements. Abnormal locomotor patterns in obese or overweight individuals can increase the risk of serious musculoskeletal injuries, including reduction of the medial longitudinal arch, decreased shock absorption capacity, increased knee and lower back pain, elevated joint moments, reduced time to reach peak ground reaction forces and consequently increased loading rates, tibial microfractures, patellofemoral pain syndrome, iliotibial band syndrome, plantar fasciitis, and other soft tissue injuries. Considering the importance of locomotor mechanics in obese or overweight individuals with flatfoot and the limited number of studies in this field, further scientific investigation is warranted. Therefore, researchers in the field of biomechanics are encouraged to conduct more studies focusing on this issue.

Keywords:Obesity; Overweight; Flatfoot; Locomotion and biomechanics