Computerized Analysis of Plantar Pressure Variation in Flip-Flops, Athletic Shoes, and Bare Feet

2008 ◽  
Vol 98 (5) ◽  
pp. 374-378 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tanya J. Carl ◽  
Stephen L. Barrett
Keyword(s):  
Plantar Pressure ◽  
Gait Cycle ◽  
Computer Software ◽  
Protective Role ◽  
Plantar Pressures ◽  
Peak Plantar Pressure ◽  
Foot Problems ◽  
Athletic Shoes ◽  
A Minor ◽  
Pressure Measurement System

Background: High peak plantar pressures predispose to foot problems and may exacerbate existing conditions. For podiatric physicians to make educated recommendations to their patients, it is important and necessary to begin to look at different shoes and how they affect peak plantar pressure. Methods: To determine how flip-flops change peak plantar pressure while walking, we compared peak plantar pressures in the same test subjects wearing flip-flops, wearing athletic shoes, and in bare feet. Ten women with size 7 feet and a body mass index less than 25 kg/m2 were tested with an in-shoe pressure-measurement system. These data were collected and analyzed by one-way analysis of variance and computer software. Results: Statistically significant results were obtained for nine of the 18 comparisons. In each of these comparisons, flip-flops always demonstrated higher peak plantar pressures than athletic shoes but lower pressures than bare feet. Conclusion: Although these data demonstrate that flip-flops have a minor protective role as a shock absorber during the gait cycle compared with pressures measured while barefoot, compared with athletic shoes, they increase peak plantar pressures, placing the foot at greater risk for pathologic abnormalities. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 98(5): 374–378, 2008)

The Relationship of the Position of the Metatarsal Heads and Peak Plantar Pressure

2003 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 349-353 ◽  
Author(s):  
René E. Weijers ◽  
Geert H.I.M. Walenkamp ◽  
Henk van Mameren ◽  
Alphons G.H. Kessels
Keyword(s):  
Plantar Pressure ◽  
Lateral Side ◽  
Ct Scanner ◽  
Plantar Pressures ◽  
Medial Side ◽  
Plantar Pressure Distribution ◽  
Peak Plantar Pressure ◽  
The Right ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Relationship

We test the premise that peak plantar pressure is located directly under the bony prominences in the forefoot region. The right foot of standing volunteers was examined in three different postures by a CT-scanner. The plantar pressure distribution was simultaneously recorded. The position of the metatarsal heads and the sesamoids could be related to the corresponding local peak plantar pressures. The metatarsal heads 1, 4, and 5 had a significantly different position than the local peak plantar pressures. The average difference in distance between the position of the metatarsal heads and the peak plantar pressure showed a significant correlation: on the medial side the head was located more distally to the local peak plantar pressure, on the lateral side more proximally. The findings suggest that normal plantar soft tissue is able to deflect a load. The observations might improve insight into the function of the normal forefoot and might direct further research on the pathological forefoot and on the design of footwear.

Foot Function in Diabetic Patients after Partial Amputation

1996 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-48 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan Carlos Garbalosa ◽  
Peter R. Cavanagh ◽  
Ge Wu ◽  
Jan S. Ulbrecht ◽  
Mary B. Becker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Plantar Pressure ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Diabetic Patients ◽  
Plantar Pressures ◽  
Plantar Pressure Distribution ◽  
Patients With Diabetes ◽  
Peak Plantar Pressure ◽  
Partial Amputation ◽  
Foot Function

The function of partially amputated feet in 10 patients with diabetes mellitus was studied. First-step bilateral barefoot plantar pressure distribution and three-dimensional kinematic data were collected using a Novel EMED platform and three video cameras. Analysis of the plantar pressure data revealed a significantly greater mean peak plantar pressure in the feet with transmetatarsal amputation (TMA) than in the intact feet of the same patients. The heels of the amputated feet had significantly lower mean peak plantar pressures than all the forefoot regions. A significantly greater maximum dynamic dorsiflexion range of motion was seen in the intact compared with the TMA feet. However, no difference was noted in the static dorsiflexion range of motion between the two feet and there was, therefore, a trend for the TMA feet to use less of the available range of motion. Given the altered kinematics and elevated plantar pressures noted in this study, careful postsurgical footwear management of feet with TMA would appear to be essential if ulceration is to be prevented.

Vertical forces and plantar pressures in selected aerobic movements versus walking

1993 ◽  
Vol 83 (9) ◽  
pp. 504-508 ◽  
Author(s):  
DL Thompson ◽  
MR Hatley ◽  
TG McPoil ◽  
MW Cornwall
Keyword(s):  
Plantar Pressure ◽  
Lower Extremities ◽  
High Impact ◽  
Vertical Force ◽  
Plantar Pressures ◽  
Peak Plantar Pressure ◽  
Force Data

Ten subjects between the ages of 19 and 29 years walked and performed four aerobic movements over a force and pressure platform. Peak plantar pressure and peak vertical force data were collected three times on the dominant leg as each subject performed all of the five activities. Peak vertical forces acting on the lower extremities for the low impact aerobic movements were significantly less when compared with the high impact movements. As was expected, no differences were found in peak vertical forces between walking and the low impact aerobic movements. Peak plantar pressures for walking were not significantly different when compared with any of the four aerobic movements studied.

Patellar tendon bearing brace: Combined effect of heel clearance and ankle status on foot plantar pressure

2013 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 34-38 ◽  
Author(s):  
Farnaz Alimerzaloo ◽  
Reza V Kashani ◽  
Hassan Saeedi ◽  
Marjan Farzi ◽  
Nader Fallahian
Keyword(s):  
Patellar Tendon ◽  
Contact Area ◽  
Plantar Pressure ◽  
Combined Effect ◽  
Repeated Measure ◽  
Effective Parameters ◽  
Plantar Pressures ◽  
Peak Plantar Pressure ◽  
Measure Analysis ◽  
Repeated Measure Analysis

Background: Heel clearance and ankle status (free or locked) are of major determinants affecting peak plantar pressures and contact area in patellar tendon bearing brace and have been separately studied by many researchers. This study investigated the combined effect of ankle status and heel clearance on contact area and peak plantar pressure in different areas of foot (hindfoot, midfoot, and forefoot). Study design: Before–after repeated measurement trial. Methods: Nine healthy male volunteers walked 8 m with normal shoe and four conditions of patellar tendon bearing brace wear. Repeated-measure analysis of variance test was used to compare contact area and plantar pressure changes in three areas of the foot. Results: Application of patellar tendon bearing brace significantly reduced overall plantar pressure and contact area ( p < 0.01). Although both contact area and plantar pressure significantly decreased in hindfoot and midfoot, plantar pressure increased in forefoot area ( p < 0.05). Conclusions: Application of the patellar tendon bearing brace can reduce the overall peak plantar pressure in the foot but increases focal plantar pressure in forefoot. Excessive lifting of the heel seems to minimize the contact area, thus increase focal pressure in forefoot. Overall, plantar pressure seems to be more effectively off-loaded by combining maximum heel clearance and restriction of the ankle joint. Clinical relevance Although effective parameters of patellar tendon bearing brace have been separately addressed in previous studies, no study was found that investigated the combined effect of ankle status and heel clearance. This study investigates the combined effect of these parameters and provides detailed information on clinical application of the patellar tendon bearing brace.

scholarly journals Analysis of Plantar Pressure Pattern after Metatarsal Head Resection. Can Plantar Pressure Predict Diabetic Foot Reulceration?

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 2260
Author(s):  
Marta García-Madrid ◽  
Yolanda García-Álvarez ◽  
Francisco Javier Álvaro-Afonso ◽  
Esther García-Morales ◽  
Aroa Tardáguila-García ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plantar Pressure ◽  
Metatarsal Head ◽  
First Metatarsal ◽  
Metatarsal Bones ◽  
Second Metatarsal ◽  
Patients With Diabetes ◽  
Peak Plantar Pressure ◽  
One Year ◽  
The Moment ◽  
A Minor

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.

scholarly journals Plantar pressure sore formation during advanced phases of pregnancy and the effect of special footwear

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marta Gimunová ◽  
Ondřej Mikeska ◽  
Jitka Hanzlová ◽  
Martin Zvonař
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Plantar Pressure ◽  
Pressure Sore ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Pressure Sores ◽  
Plantar Pressures ◽  
Foot Problems ◽  
Advanced Stages ◽  
Data Collection Session ◽  
Experimental Group

Plantar pressure sore occurrence is an indicator of increased plantar pressures which may develop into subsequent foot problems and pain. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the effect of special footwear on plantar pressure sore distribution. 67 healthy pregnant women participated at all data collection session at their 27, 32 and 37 gestational weeks. At each data collection session, the plantar pressure sore distribution was assessed for both feet. During the first data collection session participants were randomly divided into a control and experimental group. Experimental group obtained the special footwear. For the control group, the results show an increased in pressure sores occurrence in the medial edge of thumb and first metatarso-phalangeal joint. The special footwear introduction in the experimental group increased the pressure sore occurrence at the edge of the heel, probably associated with the plantar pressure redistribution more to the heel area. The distribution of pressure sore areas of the control and experimental group is in accordance with our hypothesis that the special footwear redistributes the plantar pressures, however, the trend of these changes is not clear as there are many factors influencing the foot condition during advanced stages of pregnancy.

scholarly journals Diabetic footwear: is it an assistive technology capable of reducing peak plantar pressures in elderly patients with neuropathy?

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 469-476 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandre Faraco de Oliveira ◽  
Ana Carolina Bertoletti De Marchi ◽  
Camila Pereira Leguisamo
Keyword(s):  
Peripheral Neuropathy ◽  
Assistive Technology ◽  
Plantar Pressure ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Paired Sample ◽  
Plantar Pressures ◽  
Therapeutic Footwear ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Peak Plantar Pressure

Abstract Introduction: Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic disease with high prevalence in the population in particular among the elderly. The longer time of diabetes, increased the chances of developing complications such as peripheral neuropathy, which is an important factor in the genesis of plantar lesions by changing the distribution and formation of plantar pressure peaks. Objective: Evaluate the influence of an Assistive Technology, therapeutic footwear for diabetics, in the peaks of plantar pressure of elderly. Methods: This was an experimental study of transversal type, composed by 10 elderly, diabetic, with peripheral neuropathy, using as an instrument to measure a baropodometry platform. Were measured peaks of plantar pressure, static and dynamic in three situations: barefoot, the participants' own standard footwear and with therapeutic footwear for diabetics. Data analysis by normal distribution as a single paired sample, applying the ANOVA test. Results: The use of therapeutic footwear for diabetics promoted a reduction in media of peak plantar pressure in the order of 22% in static analysis, and 31% in dynamic analysis. Conclusion: The therapeutic footwear for diabetics was able to produce significant reductions in peak plantar pressure, being more efficient than a common footwear. This effect may contribute to the prevention of injuries associated with the diabetic foot.

scholarly journals Effects of worn and new footwear on plantar pressure in people with gout

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mike Frecklington ◽  
Nicola Dalbeth ◽  
Peter McNair ◽  
Alain Vandal ◽  
Peter Gow ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plantar Pressure ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Structural Integrity ◽  
Metatarsophalangeal Joint ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Reduced Pressure ◽  
First Metatarsophalangeal Joint ◽  
Wear Characteristics ◽  
Plantar Pressures ◽  
Athletic Shoes

Abstract Background In clinical trials, good quality athletic shoes offer short-term improvements (two-months) in foot pain and disability in people with gout, but these improvements are not sustained over time. This may be due to wear and subsequent changes to the structural integrity of the shoe. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of wear on plantar pressures and footwear characteristics in shoes over six-months in people with gout. Methods Forty people with gout participated in a cross-sectional repeated measures study. Participants wore a pair of commercially available athletic footwear for six-months. Participants then attended a study visit where the worn footwear was compared with a new pair of the same model and size of footwear. Wear characteristics (upper, midsole, outsole) and plantar pressure were measured in the two footwear conditions. Wear characteristics were analysed using paired t-tests and Fisher’s exact tests. Plantar pressure data were analysed using linear mixed models. Results Increases in medial midsole (P < 0.001), lateral midsole (P < 0.001) and heel midsole (P < 0.001) hardness were observed in the worn shoes. Normal upper wear patterns (P < 0.001) and outsole wear patterns (P < 0.001) were observed in most of the worn shoes. No differences in peak plantar pressures (P < 0.007) were observed between the two footwear conditions. Reduced pressure time integrals at the first metatarsophalangeal joint (P < 0.001), second metatarsophalangeal joint (P < 0.001) and hallux (P = 0.003) were seen in the worn shoes. Conclusions The study found signs of wear were observed at the upper, midsole and outsole in the worn footwear after six-months. These changes to the structural properties of the footwear may affect forefoot loading patterns in people with gout.

Forefoot Plantar Pressures in Rheumatoid Arthritis

2004 ◽  
Vol 94 (3) ◽  
pp. 255-260 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon J. Otter ◽  
Catherine Jane Bowen ◽  
Adam K. Young
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Pressure Measurement ◽  
Plantar Pressure ◽  
Rheumatoid Arthritis Group ◽  
Foot Pressure ◽  
Plantar Pressures ◽  
Plantar Pressure Distribution ◽  
Temporal Aspects ◽  
Peak Plantar Pressure ◽  
Force Time

We sought to investigate the magnitude and duration of peak forefoot plantar pressures in rheumatoid arthritis. The spatial and temporal characteristics of forefoot plantar pressures were measured in 25 patients with a positive diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis of 5 to 10 years’ duration (mean, 8 years) and a comparison group using a platform-based pressure-measurement system. There were no significant differences between groups in the magnitude of peak plantar pressure in the forefoot region. Significant differences were, however, noted for temporal aspects of foot-pressure measurement. The duration of loading over sensors detecting peak plantar pressure was significantly longer in the rheumatoid arthritis group. In addition, the rheumatoid arthritis group demonstrated significantly greater force–time integrals. Significant increases in the temporal parameters of plantar pressure distribution, rather than those of amplitude, may be characteristic of the rheumatoid foot. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 94(3): 255–260, 2004)

The Applicability of Plantar Padding in Reducing Peak Plantar Pressure in the Forefeet of Healthy Adults

2016 ◽  
Vol 106 (4) ◽  
pp. 246-251 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alfred Gatt ◽  
Andrea Briffa ◽  
Nachiappan Chockalingam ◽  
Cynthia Formosa
Keyword(s):  
Plantar Pressure ◽  
Metatarsophalangeal Joint ◽  
Healthy Adults ◽  
Step Method ◽  
First Metatarsophalangeal Joint ◽  
Plantar Pressures ◽  
Limited Applicability ◽  
Peak Plantar Pressure ◽  
Metatarsophalangeal Joints

Background: We investigated the effectiveness and durability of two types of plantar padding, the plantar metatarsal pad and the single wing plantar cover, which are commonly used for reducing forefoot plantar pressures. Methods: Mean peak plantar pressure and impulse at the hallux and at the first, second, third, and fourth metatarsophalangeal joints across both feet were recorded using the two-step method in 18 individuals with normal asymptomatic feet. Plantar paddings were retained for 5 days, and their durability and effectiveness were assessed by repeating the foot plantar measurement at baseline and after 3 and 5 days. Results: The single wing plantar cover devised from 5-mm felt adhesive padding was effective and durable in reducing peak plantar pressure and impulse at the first metatarsophalangeal joint (P = .001 and P = .015, respectively); however, it was not found to be effective in reducing peak plantar pressure and impulse at the hallux (P = .782 and P = .845, respectively). The plantar metatarsal pad was not effective in reducing plantar forefoot pressure and impulse at the second, third, and fourth metatarsophalangeal joints (P = .310 and P = .174, respectively). Conclusions: These results imply limited applicability of the single wing plantar cover and the plantar metatarsal pad in reducing hallux pressure and second through fourth metatarsophalangeal joint pressure, respectively. However, the single wing plantar cover remained durable for the 5 days of the trial and was effective in reducing the peak plantar pressure and impulse underneath the first metatarsophalangeal joint.

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