Abstract
To investigate the level of bilateral symmetry or asymmetry between right and left foot center of pressure (COP) trajectory in the mediolateral and anteroposterior directions, this study involved 102 participants (54 females and 48 males). Ground reaction forces were measured using two Kistler force plates during two 45-s quiet standing trials. Comparisons of COP trajectory were performed by correlation and scatter plot analysis. Strong and very strong positive correlations (from 0.6 to 1.0) were observed between right and left foot anteroposterior COP displacement trajectory in 91 participants; 11 individuals presented weak or negative correlations. In the mediolateral direction, moderate and strong negative correlations (from −0.5 to −1.0) were observed in 69 participants, weak negative or weak positive correlations in 30 individuals, and three showed strong positive correlations (0.6 to 1.0). Additional investigation is warranted to compare COP trajectories between asymptotic individuals as assessed herein (to determine normative data) and those with foot or leg symptoms to better understand the causes of COP asymmetry and aid clinicians with the diagnosis of posture-related pathologies.
Highlights
The force exerted by the body on the ground when standing is mirrored by a reaction force.The use of footwear during many activities of daily living provides a level of protection and modifies the pressure distribution characteristics of the feet and, the forces that act on the foot
T-tests revealed no significant differences between the first between-sex differences for center of pressure (COP) displacement trajectory were found, the data were analyzed forand the entire sample
COP trajectory shows a greater level of symmetry between both feet. These results find that the majority of the sample presented asymmetry albeit defined as mediolateral COP trajectory traversing towards both the medial and lateral boundaries of the feet
Summary
The use of footwear during many activities of daily living provides a level of protection and modifies the pressure distribution characteristics of the feet and, the forces that act on the foot. The shape and construction of the sole, insole and heel may all modify the forces and load experienced by different foot regions [1,2,3]. Balance preservation during upright standing is quite complex as the human body is never in a condition of perfect equilibrium and that balance must be maintained via two points of contact (both feet). The center of all external forces acting on the plantar surface of the foot is known as the center of pressure (COP).
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