Prevalence of Plantar Fasciitis and Its Association with Body Mass Index Among Taekwondo Players

Abstract

Background: Plantar fasciitis is a common musculoskeletal condition and a leading cause of heel pain in adults, affecting over one million individuals annually. Although self-limiting in nature, it often interferes with daily activities and athletic performance. It affects both sedentary and active populations, with risk factors including obesity, prolonged standing, running, and foot pronation. Objective: To determine the prevalence of plantar fasciitis and its association with body mass index in Taekwondo players. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 314 registered Taekwondo players aged 12–50 years, selected using convenience sampling. Participants were recruited from registered clubs affiliated with the Pakistan Taekwondo Association, covering all provinces and the federal capital. Data was collected using a structured Google Docs questionnaire in collaboration with the Secretary General of the Pakistan Taekwondo Federation, which included demographic details, informed consent, and self-reported height and weight to calculate BMI. The Windlass test was used as the primary clinical assessment for plantar fasciitis. Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25, and the frequency and percentages were calculated. The association between plantar fasciitis and body mass index category was evaluated using the Chi-square test (p<0.05 considered significant). Results: Out of 314 participants, 72 (22.9%) tested positive for plantar fasciitis using the Windlass test. Heel pain was most prevalent in the 16–25 age group (14.6%) and among those with a normal body mass index (21%). However, statistical analysis revealed no significant association between heel pain and either age group (χ²=3.12, p=0.53) or body mass index category (χ²=6.50, p=0.36). Conclusion: It concluded a notable prevalence of plantar fasciitis among Taekwondo players in Pakistan, especially in younger individuals and those with normal body mass index. However, no significant associations were found between heel pain and age or body mass index. Further research is needed to explore other contributing factors such as biomechanics, training load, and footwear.