Effect of Gender on Mechanical Properties of the Plantar Fascia and Heel Fat Pad

Background. The purpose of the study was to investigate the plantar fascia and heel fat pad stiffness and thickness parameters in females and compare these values with those of males. Methods. This study was carried out in 60 healthy sedentary participants (30 female, 30 male) between the ages of 19 and 50 years. Shear wave velocity (SWV) and thickness of the plantar fascia and heel fat pad were measured with an ultrasonography device. Results. Males had a higher plantar fascia (P = .037) and heel fat pad (P = .001) thickness compared with females, but SWV of the plantar fascia (P = .673), heel fat pad microchamber layer (P = .240), and heel fat pad macrochamber layer (P = .636) were similar in both groups. Body mass had a strong correlation with the plantar fascia (r = 0.64,P < .001) and heel fat pad thickness (r = 0.68, P < .001). Height had a moderate correlation with the plantar fascia (r = 0.44, P < .001) and heel fat pad thickness (r = 0.42, P = .001). Conclusion. Plantar fascia and heel fat pad stiffness were similar in both genders; however, females had a lower plantar fascia and heel fat pad thickness compared with males. Correlation analysis results suggest that higher plantar fascia and heel fat pad thickness in males may be related to higher body mass and height. Levels of Evidence: Level III: Retrospective comparative stud