Plantar pressure patterns in women affected by Ehlers–Danlos syndrome while standing and walking

Abstract

This study aims to quantitatively characterize plantar pressure distribution in women affected by Ehlers-Danlos syndrome of the hypermobile type (EDS-HT) to verify the existence of peculiar patterns possibly related to postural anomalies or physical and functional lower limb impairments typical of this disease. A sample of 26 women affected by EDS-HT (mean age 36.8, SD 12.0) was tested using a pressure platform in two conditions, namely static standing and walking. Raw data were processed to assess contact area and mean and peak pressure distribution in rearfoot, midfoot and forefoot. Collected data were then compared with those obtained from an equally numbered control group of unaffected women matched for age and anthropometric features. The results show that, in both tested conditions, women with EDS-HT exhibited significantly smaller forefoot contact areas and higher peak and mean pressure than the control group. No differences in the analyzed parameters were found between right and left limb. The findings of the present study suggest that individuals with EDS-HT are characterized by specific plantar pressure patterns that are likely to be caused by the morphologic and functional foot modification associated with the syndrome. The use of electronic pedobarography may provide physicians and rehabilitation therapists with information useful in monitoring the disease's progression and the effectiveness of orthotic treatments.