The effects of hallux extension on plantar pressure behavior and foot posture

Purpose: It is not known how gait speed affects plantar pressure characteristics in flatfoot. The aim of this work was to investigate the effects of gait speed on plantar pressure variables in flatfoot by comparing it to normal foot posture. Methods: Thirty individuals with flatfoot and 30 individuals with normal foot posture were recruited. Plantar pressure variables were obtained by a pressure-sensitive mat at self-selected slow, normal, and fast speeds. All assessments were performed on the dominant foot, and three satisfactory steps were obtained for each gait speed condition. The order of gait speeds was randomized. Results: In the flatfoot group, the contact area was higher in the midfoot, third metatarsal, and hallux at all speeds, also in the second metatarsal at slow and normal speeds than the normal foot posture group (p < 0.05). The maximum force was higher in the midfoot and hallux at all speeds in the flatfoot group (p < 0.05). Also, the maximum force was lower in the first metatarsal at normal and fast speeds, and in the lateral heel at fast speed (p < 0.05). In the flatfoot group, the peak pressure was found to be higher in the hallux at slow speed, but to be lower in the first metatarsal at fast speed (p < 0.05). Further, plantar pressure distribution was affected by gait speed in both feet. Conclusions: Analysis of plantar pressure variables should be performed at different gait speeds.

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The effects of temporarily reduced protective sensation under the medial forefoot on plantar pressure behavior during walking in healthy individuals

Gait & Posture ◽

10.1016/j.gaitpost.2021.09.183 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 90 ◽

pp. 1-2

Author(s):

N.E. Akalan ◽

M. Gorgulu ◽

B. Aydin ◽

R. Sert ◽

F. Bilgili

Keyword(s):

Plantar Pressure ◽

Healthy Individuals ◽

Pressure Behavior ◽

Protective Sensation

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Functional Evaluation of a Shock Absorbing Insole During Military Training in a Group of Soldiers: A Pilot Study

Military Medicine ◽

10.1093/milmed/usaa032 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 185 (5-6) ◽

pp. e643-e648

Author(s):

Giada Lullini ◽

Alessia Giangrande ◽

Paolo Caravaggi ◽

Alberto Leardini ◽

Lisa Berti

Keyword(s):

Plantar Pressure ◽

Military Training ◽

Training Session ◽

Capacitive Sensor ◽

Lower Limbs ◽

Functional Evaluation ◽

Software Application ◽

Plantar Pressure Distribution ◽

Foot Posture ◽

Significant Amelioration

Abstract Objective Soldiers’ lower limbs and feet are frequently affected by overload- and overuse-related injuries. In order to prevent or limit the incidence of these injuries, the use of foot orthoses is often recommended. The aim of this study is to assess the effects of shock-absorbing insoles on in-shoe plantar pressure magnitude and distribution in a group of professional infantry soldiers wearing military boots during standard indoor military training. Methods Twenty male professional soldiers of the Italian Army (age 35.1 ± 6.1 years; BMI 25.2 ± 2.3 kg/m2) were recruited for this study. Each subject underwent clinical examination to assess possible overuse-related diseases of the lower limb and trunk. Subjects with altered foot morphology according to the Foot Posture Index (FPI) were excluded from this study. Twelve subjects were considered eligible and therefore underwent an indoor training routine comprised of marching, running, jumping inside parallel bars and jumping from different heights. Soldiers repeated the training session twice wearing standard military boots along with two types of insoles: the standard prefabricated insole within the boots (STI), and a special shock-absorbing insole (SAI) featuring an elastic medial arch support. A 99-capacitive sensor insole system was used to record plantar pressure distribution in both feet. Analysis of in-shoe pressure parameters at rearfoot, midfoot and forefoot and in the total foot was performed via a custom-software application developed in MATLAB. Perceived foot comfort (VAS 0–15) was also assessed. Results Pressure parameters recorded during walking and running were considered suitable for statistical analysis. In the whole foot region, pressure parameters were 18–22% lower in military boots fitted with the SAI during walking and 14–18% lower during running. SAI resulted in better comfort (+25%) with respect to the prefabricated boot orthotics (median comfort: SAI = 15/15; STI = 12/15; p = 0.0039) both during walking and running. Conclusions Shock-absorbing insoles can be an effective solution when fitted inside military boots. The present functional evaluation shows that wearing a prefabricated shock-absorbing insole can provide a significant amelioration of perceived foot comfort and plantar pressure parameters. Further studies are now needed with a larger population and more demanding exercises.

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Assessing Plantar Pressure Distribution in Children with Flatfoot Arch

Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association ◽

10.7547/8750-7315-104.6.622 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 104 (6) ◽

pp. 622-632 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Jolanta Pauk ◽

Mikhail Ihnatouski ◽

Bijan Najafi

Keyword(s):

Mathematical Model ◽

Pressure Distribution ◽

Body Mass ◽

Plantar Pressure ◽

Reaction Force ◽

Retest Reliability ◽

Plantar Pressure Distribution ◽

Foot Posture ◽

Test Retest Reliability ◽

Pressure Magnitude

Background Flatfoot, or pes planus, is one of the most common foot posture problems in children that may lead to lower-extremity pain owing to a potential increase in plantar pressure. First, we compared plantar pressure distribution between children with and without flatfoot. Second, we examined the reliability and accuracy of a simple metric for characterization of foot posture: the Clarke angle. Third, we proposed a mathematical model to predict plantar pressure magnitude under the medial arch using body mass and the Clarke angle. Methods Sixty children with flatfoot and 33 aged-matched controls were recruited. Measurements included in-shoe plantar pressure distribution, ground reaction force, Clarke angle, and radiography assessment. The measured Clarke angle was compared with radiographic measurements, and its test-retest reliability was determined. A mathematical model was fitted to predict plantar pressure distribution under the medial arch using easy-to-measure variables (body mass and the Clarke angle). Results A high correlation was observed between the Clarke angle and radiography measurements (r > 0.9; P < 10−6). Excellent between- and within-day test-retest reliability for Clarke angle measurement (intraclass correlation coefficient, >0.9) was observed. Results also suggest that pressure magnitude under the medial arch can be estimated using the Clarke angle and body mass (R2 = 0.95; error, <0.04 N/cm2 [2%]). Conclusions This study suggests that the Clarke angle is a practical, reliable, and sensitive metric for quantification of medial arch height in children and could be recommended for research and clinical applications. It can also be used to estimate plantar pressure under the medial arch, which, in turn, may assist in the timely intervention and prognosis of prospective problems associated with flatfoot posture.

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Foot posture is associated with plantar pressure during gait: A comparison of normal, planus and cavus feet

Gait & Posture ◽

10.1016/j.gaitpost.2018.03.005 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 62 ◽

pp. 235-240 ◽

Cited By ~ 29

Author(s):

Andrew K. Buldt ◽

Saeed Forghany ◽

Karl B. Landorf ◽

Pazit Levinger ◽

George S. Murley ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Plantar Pressure ◽

Foot Posture

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Gait Retraining With Visual Biofeedback Reduces Rearfoot Pressure and Foot Pronation in Recreational Runners

Journal of Sport Rehabilitation ◽

10.1123/jsr.2021-0091 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-9

Author(s):

Warlindo Carneiro da Silva Neto ◽

Alexandre Dias Lopes ◽

Ana Paula Ribeiro

Keyword(s):

Pressure Distribution ◽

Plantar Pressure ◽

Control Group ◽

Gait Retraining ◽

Visual Biofeedback ◽

Plantar Pressure Distribution ◽

Foot Posture ◽

Foot Pronation ◽

Recreational Runners ◽

Arch Index

Context: Running is a popular sport globally. Previous studies have used a gait retraining program to successfully lower impact loading, which has been associated with lower injury rates in recreational runners. However, there is an absence of studies on the effect of this training program on the plantar pressure distribution pattern during running. Objective: To investigate the short-term effect of a gait retraining strategy that uses visual biofeedback on the plantar pressure distribution pattern and foot posture in recreational runners. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Setting: Biomechanics laboratory. Participants: Twenty-four recreational runners were evaluated (n = 12 gait retraining group and n = 12 control group). Intervention: Those in the gait retraining group underwent a 2-week program (4 sessions/wk, 30 min/session, and 8 sessions). The participants in the control group were also invited to the laboratory (8 times in 2 wk), but no feedback on their running biomechanics was provided. Main Outcome Measures: The primary outcome measures were plantar pressure distribution and plantar arch index using a pressure platform. The secondary outcome measure was the foot posture index. Results: The gait retraining program with visual biofeedback was effective in reducing medial and lateral rearfoot plantar pressure after intervention and when compared with the control group. In the static condition, the pressure peak and maximum force on the forefoot and midfoot were reduced, and arch index was increased after intervention. After static training intervention, the foot posture index showed a decrease in the foot pronation. Conclusions: A 2-week gait retraining program with visual biofeedback was effective in lowering rearfoot plantar pressure, favoring better support of the arch index in recreational runners. In addition, static training was effective in reducing foot pronation. Most importantly, these observations will help healthcare professionals understand the importance of a gait retraining program with visual biofeedback to improve plantar loading and pronation during rehabilitation.

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