Evaluation and comparison of plantar pressure distribution and gait parameters in athletes with and without hallux valgus

Abstract

The aim of the study was to measure and compare plantar pressures, forces and gait parameters in athletes with and without hallux valgus. It was a cross sectional study with the sample Size: 106 [53 for each group (Hallux valgus and without hallux valgus)]. Hallux valgus angle was calculated with digital photographs uploaded on Karasunpo software. Participants only with the moderate and severe hallux valgus angle were selected. For participant having hallux valgus in both the feet, one with the greater angle of hallux valgus was selected. Participants without hallux valgus were the ones whose hallux valgus angle was less than 15 degrees. The participants of both groups were asked to walk on predetermined speed of 4.8 kmph. The device used was Zebris FDM-T (Zebris® Medical GmbH, Germany) for the pedobarographic and gait parameter measurement. On an average, measurement was recorded for 20 steps during the different phases of gait in all subjects and corresponding mean values were calculated. Mean values for all the readings were documented and statistically calculated. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS (v.27.0.1) with unpaired t-test to compare between both the groups. Shapiro-Wilk test was used to check normality of data. Significant p-values for forefoot forces (0.001), forefoot pressures (<0.001) and midfoot pressures (0.002) were found. There is clear evidence of increased foot loading in young adult athletes with hallux valgus on the forefoot and midfoot regions while performing activities.