OBJECTIVE

To identify the individual, anatomical, and biomechanical predictors of plantar fasciitis among novice conscripts.

DESIGN

A prospective cohort study.

SETTING

Military training camp in Bangkok, Thailand.

PARTICIPANTS

One hundred thirteen novice conscripts without lower extremity pain prior to the commencement of military training.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Individual, anatomical, and biomechanical variables were assessed in all participants at baseline. The primary criterion variable was the presence or absence of plantar fasciitis.

RESULTS

After 10 weeks of training, 113 participants were classified as having (n = 71) and not having (n = 42) plantar fasciitis. The results indicated that the conscripts with poorer quality of movement and lesser femoral anteversion angle tended to exhibit plantar fasciitis (odds ratio = 1.996 and 0.720, respectively). Regarding individual components, the conscripts with higher body mass index and higher stress level had increased risk of plantar fasciitis (odds ratio = 1.238 and 1.110, respectively). Moreover, the conscripts with a higher level of physical exercise before military training had a reduced risk of presenting with plantar fasciitis (odds ratio = 0.242).

CONCLUSIONS

Multiple predictors-especially individual characteristics and the abnormalities from the proximal region (other than foot and ankle)-contributed to the development of plantar fasciitis among Thai novice conscripts.