scholarly journals The effects of gait speed on plantar pressure variables in individuals with normal foot posture and flatfoot

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Muge Kirmizi ◽  
Yesim S. Sengul ◽  
Salih Angin

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.

Author(s):  
Muge Kirmizi ◽  
Yesim Salik Sengul ◽  
Salih Angin

BACKGROUND: Flexible flatfoot is associated with altered plantar pressure distribution, but it is not clear how muscle fatigue affects plantar pressure characteristics in flexible flatfoot and normal foot. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of calf muscles fatigue on plantar pressure variables in flexible flatfoot and normal foot. METHODS: Twenty-five people with flexible flatfoot and twenty-five people with normal foot were included. The unilateral heel-rise test was used to induce calf muscles fatigue. Plantar pressure variables were collected during preferred walking immediately before and after fatigue. The two-way mixed-design ANOVA was used to determine the main effect of fatigue and the interaction between foot posture and fatigue. RESULTS: Fatigue causes medialization of the contact area under the forefoot and the maximum force under the heel and forefoot (p< 0.05). When examining the differences in the effects of fatigue between groups, the contact area under the medial heel increased with fatigue in flexible flatfoot but decreased in normal foot; moreover, the contact area and maximum force under the midfoot and the maximum force under the third metatarsal decreased with fatigue in flexible flatfoot but increased in normal foot (p< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Calf muscles fatigue causes medialization of the maximum force and contact area. Especially the midfoot was affected differently by fatigue in flexible flatfoot and normal foot.


2020 ◽  
Vol 185 (5-6) ◽  
pp. e643-e648
Author(s):  
Giada Lullini ◽  
Alessia Giangrande ◽  
Paolo Caravaggi ◽  
Alberto Leardini ◽  
Lisa Berti

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.


2014 ◽  
Vol 104 (6) ◽  
pp. 622-632 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jolanta Pauk ◽  
Mikhail Ihnatouski ◽  
Bijan Najafi

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 &gt; 0.9; P &lt; 10−6). Excellent between- and within-day test-retest reliability for Clarke angle measurement (intraclass correlation coefficient, &gt;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, &lt;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.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Warlindo Carneiro da Silva Neto ◽  
Alexandre Dias Lopes ◽  
Ana Paula Ribeiro

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.


2011 ◽  
Vol 110-116 ◽  
pp. 4518-4521
Author(s):  
J.J. Chen ◽  
Jian She Li ◽  
Y.D. Gu

With the increase of the difficulty and intensity on competitive movement, the rate of sport injury will happen in training and competing frequently. The metatarsal is one of the most prone to injury part in the human body. The incidence of metatarsal injuries is rising in recently years. In this study, Pedar-X plantar pressure measure system and Novel emed pressure distribution measure plate were used in order to get the dynamics data in normal landing and inverted landing. The research concluded that: metatarsal peak stress had been transferred from the first metatarsal to the fifth metatarsal with increasing of varus angle. When the foot was in inverted state, stress distribution of metatarsal changed significantly. Lateral metatarsal played a major role in supporting function. Also, forefoot pressure distribution changed a lot in different functional sports shoes. The purpose is to provide the reliable correlative theoretical basis for improving sport equipments and security protection recommendations for people to engage in sports.


2009 ◽  
Vol 44 (4) ◽  
pp. 356-362 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kim D. Barber Foss ◽  
Kevin R. Ford ◽  
Gregory D. Myer ◽  
Timothy E. Hewett

Abstract The relationship between generalized joint laxity and plantar pressure distribution of the foot and the potential implications for lower extremity injury have not been studied.Context: To determine the relationship between generalized joint laxity and dynamic plantar pressure distribution. We hypothesized that individuals with greater generalized joint laxity, or hypermobility, would have greater dynamic medial midfoot pressure and loading during walking than nonhypermobile individuals.Objective: Case control.Design: Institutional biomechanics laboratory.Setting: Participants included 112 female soccer players between 11 and 21 years of age.Patients or Other Participants: Each participant was tested for generalized joint laxity using the Beighton and Horan Joint Mobility Index (BHJMI; range, 0–9) and was categorized as having either high (BHJMI score ≥4) or low (BHJMI score &lt;4) generalized joint laxity. Peak pressure and maximum force were calculated from a dynamic, barefoot plantar pressure distribution system.Main Outcome Measure(s): Peak pressure and maximum force were greater in the 27 participants categorized as having high generalized joint laxity than in the 85 participants categorized as having low generalized joint laxity. The midfoot region exhibited greater loading in participants with high generalized joint laxity than in the other participants. We found an effect of BHJMI classification in the medial midfoot; peak pressure in the dominant (F1,109  =  11.262, P  =  .001) and nondominant (F1,109  =  14.32, P &lt; .001) sides and maximum force in the dominant (F1,109  =  7.88, P  =  .006) and nondominant (F1,109  =  9.18, P  =  .003) sides were greater in the high generalized joint laxity group than in the low generalized joint laxity group.Results: Athletes classified as having high generalized joint laxity demonstrated increased midfoot loading. Delineation of risk factors for medial collapse of the foot, which include hypermobility in athletes, may help clinicians evaluate and prevent lower extremity injury with treatments, such as orthoses.Conclusions:


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 2260
Author(s):  
Marta García-Madrid ◽  
Yolanda García-Álvarez ◽  
Francisco Javier Álvaro-Afonso ◽  
Esther García-Morales ◽  
Aroa Tardáguila-García ◽  
...  

To evaluate the metatarsal head that was associated with the highest plantar pressure after metatarsal head resection (MHR) and the relations with reulceration at one year, a prospective was conducted with a total of sixty-five patients with diabetes who suffered from the first MHR and with an inactive ulcer at the moment of inclusion. Peak plantar pressure and pressure time integral were recorded at five specific locations in the forefoot: first, second, third, fourth, and fifth metatarsal heads. The highest value of the four remaining metatarsals was selected. After resection of the first metatarsal head, there is a displacement of the pressure beneath the second metatarsal head (p < 0.001). Following the resection of the minor metatarsal bones, there was a medial displacement of the plantar pressure. In this way, plantar pressure was displaced under the first metatarsal head following resection of the second or third head (p = 0.001) and under the central heads after resection of the fourth or fifth metatarsal head (p < 0.009 and p < 0.001 respectively). During the one-year follow-up, patients who underwent a metatarsal head resection in the first and second metatarsal heads suffered transfer lesion in the location with the highest pressure. Patients who underwent a minor metatarsal head resection (second–fifth metatarsal heads) showed a medial transference of pressure. Additionally, following the resection of the first metatarsal head there was a transference of pressure beneath the second metatarsal head. Increase of pressure was found to be a predictor of reulceration in cases of resection of the first and second metatarsal heads.


2021 ◽  
Vol 29 (5) ◽  
pp. 238-241
Author(s):  
LARISSA BARBOSA OLIVEIRA ◽  
DANIEL AUGUSTO MARANHO ◽  
ALBERTO CLIQUET JÚNIOR ◽  
MAURO CESAR MATTOS E DINATO ◽  
RODRIGO GONÇALVES PAGNANO

ABSTRACT Objective: The plantar pressure distribution can be assessed quantitatively by computerized baropodometry such as carpet or insole. An insole-type system with wireless transmission was developed and plantar pressure results were previously validated by force platform. However, the reproducibility of the system had not been determined. Our objective was to evaluate the reliability of the results in different gait cycles, clinical characteristics and in different plantar anatomical sites. Methods: 41 healthy adults (age, 34 ± 13 years; body mass index, 25 ± 5 kg/m2; 26 [63%], male, 26 [63%] practicing physical activity) were evaluated. Baropodometer evaluations were performed in 3 walking cycles with 100 m each, and the reliability between the cycles was examined. Pressure points on the heel, first metatarsal, fifth metatarsal and total plantar pressure were analyzed and compared. Results: Moderate agreement was identified between the second and third cycles (ICC, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.14-0.83). Physical activity practitioners showed higher total plantar pressure (70.8 vs 68.2 Kpa; p = 0.04) and higher pressure in the heel (70.7 vs 68.1 Kpa; p = 0.036) in relation to sedentary ones. Conclusion: The insole was able to assess plant pressure with moderate reliability from the adaptation period. Level of Evidence III, Case control study - Investigating a diagnostic test.


2013 ◽  
Vol 103 (2) ◽  
pp. 121-125 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elena Escamilla-Martínez ◽  
Alfonso Martínez-Nova ◽  
Beatriz Gómez-Martín ◽  
Raquel Sánchez-Rodríguez ◽  
Lourdes María Fernández-Seguín

Background: Fatigue due to running has been shown to contribute to changes in plantar pressure distribution. However, little is known about changes in foot posture after running. We sought to compare the Foot Posture Index before and after moderate exercise and to relate any changes to plantar pressure patterns. Methods: A baropodometric evaluation was made, using the FootScan platform (RSscan International, Olen, Belgium), of 30 men who were regular runners and their foot posture was examined using the Foot Posture Index before and after a 60-min continuous run at a moderate pace (3.3 m/sec). Results: Foot posture showed a tendency toward pronation after the 60-min run, gaining 2 points in the Foot Posture Index. The total support and medial heel contact areas increased, as did pressures under the second metatarsal head and medial heel. Conclusions: Continuous running at a moderate speed (3.3 m/sec) induced changes in heel strike related to enhanced pronation posture, indicative of greater stress on that zone after physical activity. This observation may help us understand the functioning of the foot, prevent injuries, and design effective plantar orthoses in sport. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 103(2): 121–125, 2013)


Scientifica ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aisyah Mohd Said ◽  
Maria Justine ◽  
Haidzir Manaf

Background.Changes in biomechanical structures of human foot are common in the older person, which may lead to alteration of foot type and plantar pressure distribution. We aimed to examine how foot type affects the plantar pressure distribution and to determine the relationship between plantar pressure distribution and functional reach distance in older persons.Methods.Fifty community-dwelling older persons (age:69.98±5.84) were categorized into three groups based on the Foot Posture Index. The plantar pressure (max⁡P) and contact area were analyzed using Footscan® RSScan platform. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the plantar pressure between foot types and Spearman’s correlation coefficient was used to correlate plantar pressure with the functional reach distance.Results.There were significant differences ofmax⁡Pin the forefoot area across all foot types. The post hoc analysis found significantly lowermax⁡Pin the pronated foot compared to the supinated foot. A high linear rank correlation was found between functional reach distance andmax⁡Pof the rearfoot region of the supinated foot.Conclusions.These findings suggested that types of the foot affect the plantar maximal pressure in older persons with functional reach distance showing some associations.


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