PS10 - 54. Adverse plantar pressures are associated with increased plantar flexion moments at the first part of the stance phase

Abstract

A previous study by Savelberg et al. indicated higher plantar flexion moments at 40% of the stance phase and simultaneously an increase in plantar loading in people with diabetic polyneuropathy. It was hypothesised that muscle weakness in the lower extremity caused by polyneuropathy can affect the ability to generate enough momentum during the first part of the stance phase to counter the forward momentum of the body and the roll off of the foot. This could lead to a faster forward transfer of the centre of pressure of the foot (COP) and consequently a higher forefoot loading. The current study sought to test this hypothetical cascade.