Activity related differences in the thickness of heel pad of some occupational groups in Nigeria: An imaging based study

Authors

  • Ogugua Augustine Egwu Department of Anatomy, Federal University, Ndufu-Alike Ikwo, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
  • Chike Ikechukwu Patrick Anibeze Department of Anatomy, Abia State University, Uturu
  • Ukoha Ukoha Ukoha Department of Anatomy, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus
  • Godfrey Ugochukwu Esomonu Department of Anatomy, Cross River State University, Okuku Campus.
  • Elizabeth B Besong Department of Physiology, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7439/ijbr.v4i8.274

Abstract

Background: The effect of prolonged occupation-related physical activity can induce stress and strain on the plantar heel pad. These strains can lead to the thickening of the human heel pad. Methods: The effect of occupation-related physical activity on the thickness of the Heel pad (HPT) was assessed among four classes of occupation- Labourers/farmers, Dancers, Athletes and an inactive class (control/normal group) in a southeast Nigerian population. Results: Results show that the inactive class had the lowest values for HPT (9.061.26; 9.001.73mm for right and left sides respectively). The athletes had the highest values (15.151.51; 15.181.57mm for the right and left sides respectively). Multiple comparison shows that Labourers, Dancers and athletes had significantly higher values than the control group (P=0.000; 0.036; 0.000 respectively). Conclusion: Our findings have conclusively established that occupation-related prolonged Physical activity induces thickening of the heel pad. Interventions should be initiated to avoid the setting in of degenerating conditions that may lead to plantar heel pain.

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Author Biographies

  • Ogugua Augustine Egwu, Department of Anatomy, Federal University, Ndufu-Alike Ikwo, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
    Senior Lecturer, Department of Anatomy
  • Chike Ikechukwu Patrick Anibeze, Department of Anatomy, Abia State University, Uturu
    Professor of Anatomy
  • Ukoha Ukoha Ukoha, Department of Anatomy, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus
    Senior Lecturer in Anatomy
  • Godfrey Ugochukwu Esomonu, Department of Anatomy, Cross River State University, Okuku Campus.
    Senior Lecturer in Anatomy
  • Elizabeth B Besong, Department of Physiology, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki
    Lecturer in Physiology

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Published

2013-08-08

Issue

Vol. 4 No. 8 (2013): Aug

Section

Original Research Articles

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How to Cite

1.
Activity related differences in the thickness of heel pad of some occupational groups in Nigeria: An imaging based study. Int Jour of Biomed Res [Internet]. 2013 Aug. 8 [cited 2025 Aug. 21];4(8):393-9. Available from: https://ssjournals.co.in/index.php/ijbr/article/view/858