Journal of foot and ankle research
Foot Biomechanics, Body Composition, and Sex-Related Factors Associated With Work-Related Musculoskeletal Discomfort in Standing Assembly-Line Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study
By Almenar-Arasanz AJ, Villalba-Ruete JA, Bravo-Viñuales E and 5 others.
Abstract
Background
Prolonged standing is common in manufacturing and assembly-line work and is associated with musculoskeletal discomfort, especially in the lower limbs and spine. The influence of foot posture, morphology, and plantar loading patterns on this discomfort remains unclear.
Objective
To analyze the associations between foot posture, plantar pressure, and 3D foot morphology with work-related musculoskeletal discomfort in standing workers and to examine the role of BMI and the potential modifying role of sex.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 240 assembly-line workers (129 women, 53.8%). Musculoskeletal discomfort was assessed using the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ). Foot posture (FPI-6), baropodometry (FreeMed), and 3D foot morphology (DOMESCAN) were evaluated under standardized conditions. Participants were classified as having low (CMDQ ≤ 10) or moderate-high (≥ 11) discomfort. Firth-penalized logistic regression analyzed associations between overall CMDQ discomfort, foot posture, sex, and BMI, including an FPI × sex interaction term.