Association between Gastrocnemius tightness, hallux valgus and physical activity among university students: a cross-sectional study

Chong, Yi Xian (2024) Association between Gastrocnemius tightness, hallux valgus and physical activity among university students: a cross-sectional study. Final Year Project, UTAR.

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Abstract

Background: Hallux valgus (HV) and gastrocnemius tightness (GT) are common musculoskeletal conditions that can affect mobility and physical activity levels. It's important to understand how hallux valgus and GT affect mobility, especially in younger populations. However, there is a lack of studies examining the association between GT, hallux valgus, and physical activity among students. Objectives: The aim of this study is to find out the prevalence of Gastrocnemius tightness and Hallux Valgus Deformity and examine the association between Gastrocnemius tightness, hallux valgus deformity, and physical activity among UTAR students. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 212 university students aged 18–25 years. HV was assessed using the Hallux Valgus Angle (HVA) via non�radiographic imaging, while GT was evaluated using the Silfverskiold test. Physical activity levels were measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Data will then be collected and analysed using SPSS version 26. Descriptive statistics will be used to describe the demographic data, while Pearson Chi-square will be used to identify the association between the severity of Hallux Valgus (HV), Gastrocnemius Tightness (GT) and Physical Activity (PA) level. Results: The prevalence of HV was 51.9% for mild to moderate deformity, with a mean HVA of 15.78° on both sides. GT was highly prevalent, affecting 84.4% and 83.0% of participants on the left and right sides, respectively. No significant association was observed between HV and physical activity, and GT and physical activity (p > 0.05). However, GT was significantly associated with lower physical activity levels on the left side (p = 0.021). Conclusion: While HV and GT were highly prevalent among university students, only GT showed a significant negative association with physical activity levels. These findings underscore the importance of early detection and targeted interventions to mitigate mobility restrictions and promote active lifestyles among young adults. Keywords: Hallux Valgus, Gastrocnemius Muscle Tightness, Physical Activity

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