Comparing Selected Parameters of Plantar Foot Pressure Distribution in Healthy Versus Genu Valgum Students During Walking on a Slope

Abstract

Background and Aims Moving on steep surfaces is a demanding task in daily life, especially during walking. It poses challenges for the human locomotor system, especially for those with neuromuscular injuries or disease. Therefore, this study aimed to compare plantar pressure variables in healthy versus genu valgum students during walking on a sloped surface. Methods This applied study was quasi-experimental and causal-comparative. The samples comprised 15 girls with genu valgum knees (between medial malleolus distance of 3.90±0.44 cm) and 15 with healthy knees (between medial malleolus distance of 0.73±0.29 cm). Plantar pressure variables were evaluated in 10 areas of the foot on the sloping surfaces at 0%, ±8%, ±10%, and ±20% in the stance phase of walking. A 2-way analysis of variance with repeated measures was used for statistical analysis. The significant level was set at 0.05. Results Maximum pressure was only significant in the areas of the tarsal 1, metatarsal 2-4, and lateral rearfoot on the slopes of +8, -15, and -20 between the genu valgum and the healthy groups. The pressure was higher in the genu valgum group. Changes in the center of foot pressure on the positive and negative slopes of 8 and 15 in the genu valgum group compared to the healthy in the mediolateral direction significantly trended toward negative values. Conclusion The study results showed that changes in the center of pressure increase the amount of foot supination by increasing the slope and decrease the amount of ankle pronation by increasing the negative slope. Therefore, slopes of -20, -15, and -8 can be suggested to improve the distribution pattern of plantar pressure in adolescent girls with genu valgum knee. However, further study in this area is warranted.