Association of Gait Speed with Physical Activity, BMI and Arch Height in Postmenopausal Women

Abstract

Background: Menopause is associated with hormonal and musculoskeletal changes that may adversely affect mobility, balance, and functional independence. Gait speed is a clinically important indicator of overall functional health and may be influenced by modifiable factors such as body mass index, physical activity, and foot arch characteristics. Objective: To determine the association of gait speed with physical activity, body mass index, and foot arch height in postmenopausal women. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional observational study was conducted in Lahore, Pakistan, from April to June 2025 among 187 postmenopausal women aged 45-65 years. Participants were recruited through non-probability purposive sampling from community centers and hospital settings. Gait speed was measured using the 10-meter walk test, physical activity with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form, body mass index from measured height and weight, and foot arch height using the navicular drop test. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24. Pearson correlation and chi-square-based trend analyses were applied with p < 0.05 considered significant. Results: Mean age was 60.4 ± 4.4 years, mean body mass index was 27.8 ± 3.0 kg/m², and mean gait speed was 1.08 ± 0.18 m/s. Gait speed showed a significant negative correlation with body mass index (r = -0.169, p = 0.021) and significant positive correlations with foot arch height (r = 0.238, p = 0.001) and physical activity (r = 0.255, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Gait speed in postmenopausal women is significantly associated with body mass index, physical activity, and foot arch height. Routine assessment of these modifiable factors may support early identification of women at risk of reduced mobility and inform targeted preventive strategies.