Plantar Pressure Changes Research Articles

Influência da distância de corrida na pressão plantar

Running is a popular sport performed at different places and involving different distances and modalities. Long distance running promotes cumulative loading on joints and soft tissues that could determine important biomechanical alterations. A tool for assessing such loads is the measurement of plantar pressure. Here we compared static plantar pressure before and after 10 km and 21 km running competitions. Twenty trained runners participated in this study. They were assigned to 10 km (n=10) or 21 km (n=10) group according to their competition distance. Static plantar pressure was assessed in the day before competition and quickly after competition finished. Mean plantar pressure was compared between pre and post competition, between groups, legs and foot regions. Static plantar pressure did not differ between feet in either groups. In 10 km runners, higher plantar pressure post competition was observed in the forefoot, while any changes were observed in the 21 km group. Differences in plantar pressure between foot regions were similar between groups. In summary, static assessment of plantar pressure seemed more sensitive to changes in plantar pressure after a 10 km running, but not after 21 km. After 10 km running, forefoot experiences higher plantar pressure.

Plantar Measurements to Determine Success of Surgical Correction of Stage IIb Adult Acquired Flatfoot Deformity

Adult acquired flatfoot deformity is a degenerative disease causing medial arch dysfunction. Surgical correction has typically involved tendon reconstruction with calcaneal osteotomy; however, the postoperative changes have not been fully characterized. The present study assessed the success of surgical correction of Stage IIb adult acquired flatfoot deformity through changes in plantar pressures and patient-generated outcome scores. With Institutional Review Board approval, 6 participants were evaluated before and after surgery using pedobarography, the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score, and the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item short-form questionnaire. The plantar pressures were recorded using a TekScan HRMat® during walking and in a 1- and 2-foot stance. The resulting contour maps were segmented into 9 regions, with the peak pressure, normalized force, and arch index calculated. Surgical effects were analyzed using paired t tests. Postoperatively, the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score and Medical Outcomes Study 36-item short-form questionnaire scores increased significantly from 180 ± 78 to 360 ± 136 (p < .03) and 47 ± 18 to 71 ± 19 (p = .06), respectively. During the 2-foot stance, the normalized force had increased significantly in the lateral midfoot (p < .03), although no significant differences were found in peak pressures. No significant differences were observed in the 1-foot stance. During walking, the normalized force increased significantly in the lateral mid- and forefoot (p < .05). The peak pressure increased significantly in the lateral forefoot (p < .01). The arch index values demonstrated no significant changes. The increased questionnaire scores indicated that surgical correction improved the self-perceived health of the participants. Lateral shifts in the peak pressure and normalized force suggest that forefoot and midfoot loading is altered postoperatively, consistent with the goal of offloading the dysfunctional arch. Thus, the present study has demonstrated that surgical treatment of adult acquired flatfoot deformity can be accurately assessed using patient-reported outcome measures and plantar pressures.

Anatomy and Biomechanical Properties of the Plantar Aponeurosis: A Cadaveric Study

ObjectivesTo explore the anatomy of the plantar aponeurosis (PA) and its biomechanical effects on the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint and foot arch.MethodsAnatomic parameters (length, width and thickness of each central PA bundle and the main body of the central part) were measured in 8 cadaveric specimens. The ratios of the length and width of each bundle to the length and width of the central part were used to describe these bundles. Six cadaveric specimens were used to measure the range of motion of the first MTP joint before and after releasing the first bundle of the PA. Another 6 specimens were used to evaluate simulated static weight-bearing. Changes in foot arch height and plantar pressure were measured before and after dividing the first bundle.ResultsThe average width and thickness of the origin of the central part at the calcaneal tubercle were 15.45 mm and 2.79 mm respectively. The ratio of the length of each bundle to the length of the central part was (from medial to lateral) 0.29, 0.30, 0.28, 0.25, and 0.27, respectively. Similarly, the ratio of the widths was 0.26, 0.25, 0.23, 0.19 and 0.17. The thickness of each bundle at the bifurcation of the PA into bundles was (from medial to lateral) 1.26 mm, 1.04 mm, 0.91 mm, 0.84 mm and 0.72 mm. The average dorsiflexion of the first MTP joint increased 10.16° after the first bundle was divided. Marked acute changes in the foot arch height and the plantar pressure were not observed after division.ConclusionsThe first PA bundle was not the longest, widest, or the thickest bundle. Releasing the first bundle increased the range of motion of the first MTP joint, but did not acutely change foot arch height or plantar pressure during static load testing.

Mechanism of orthotic therapy for the painful cavus foot deformity.

BackgroundPeople who have extremely high arched feet or pes cavus often suffer from substantial foot pain. Custom-made foot orthoses (CFO) have been shown to be an effective treatment option, but their specificity is unclear. It is generally thought that one of the primary functions of CFO is redistributing abnormal plantar pressures. This study sought to identify variables associated with pain relief after CFO intervention.MethodsPlantar pressure data from a randomized controlled trial of 154 participants with painful pes cavus were retrospectively re-analyzed at baseline and three month post CFO intervention. The participants were randomized to a treatment group given CFO or a control group given sham orthoses.ResultsNo relationship between change in pressure magnitude and change in symptoms was found in either group. However, redistribution of plantar pressure, measured with the Dynamic Plantar Loading Index, had a significant effect on pain relief (p = 0.001). Our final model predicted 73% of the variance in pain relief from CFO and consisted of initial pain level, BMI, foot alignment, and changes in both Dynamic Plantar Loading Index and pressure–time integral.ConclusionOur data suggest that a primary function of effective orthotic therapy with CFO is redistribution of abnormal plantar pressures. Results of this study add to the growing body of literature providing mechanistic support for CFO providing pain relief in painful foot conditions. The proposed model may assist in better designing and assessing orthotic therapy for pain relief in patients suffering painful cavus foot deformity.Trial registrationRandomized controlled trial: ISRCTN84913516

A 4‐week instructed minimalist running transition and gait‐retraining changes plantar pressure and force

The purpose of this study is to compare changes in plantar pressure and force using conventional running shoes (CRS) and minimalist footwear (MFW) pre and post a 4-week MFW familiarization period. Ten female runners (age: 21 ± 2 years; stature: 165.8 ± 4.5 cm; mass: 55.9 ± 3.2 kg) completed two 11 km/h treadmill runs, 24 hours apart, in both CRS and MFW (pretest). Plantar data were measured using sensory insoles for foot strike patterns, stride frequency, mean maximum force ( M ⁢ F ¯ ), mean maximum pressure ( M ⁢ P ¯ ) and eight mean maximum regional pressures. Subjects then completed a 4-week familiarization period consisting of running in MFW and simple gait-retraining, before repeating the tests (posttest). During the pretests, 30% of subjects adopted a forefoot strike in MFW, following familiarization this increased to 80%; no change occurred in CRS. A significant decrease in M ⁢ F ¯ in both MFW and CRS (P = 0.024) was observed from pre-post, and a significant decrease in heel pressures in MFW. M ⁢ P ¯ was higher in MFW throughout testing (P < 0.001).A 4-week familiarization to MFW resulted in a significant reduction in M ⁢ F ¯ in both the CRS and MFW conditions, as well as a reduction in heel pressures. Higher M ⁢ P ¯ was observed throughout testing in the MFW condition.

AB0852-HPR Pedobagraphic measurements of rheumatoid feet and comparison with clinical parameters

BackgroundFoot involvement in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have been reported to be 56-100% in different studies. Pedobarography is used for dynamic plantar pressure measurement and to point out deformities of rheumatoid...

Patellar tendon bearing brace

Heel clearance and ankle status (free or locked) are of major determinants affecting peak plantar pressures and contact area in patellar tendon bearing brace and have been separately studied by many researchers. This study investigated the combined effect of ankle status and heel clearance on contact area and peak plantar pressure in different areas of foot (hindfoot, midfoot, and forefoot). Before-after repeated measurement trial. Nine healthy male volunteers walked 8 m with normal shoe and four conditions of patellar tendon bearing brace wear. Repeated-measure analysis of variance test was used to compare contact area and plantar pressure changes in three areas of the foot. Application of patellar tendon bearing brace significantly reduced overall plantar pressure and contact area (p < 0.01). Although both contact area and plantar pressure significantly decreased in hindfoot and midfoot, plantar pressure increased in forefoot area (p < 0.05). Application of the patellar tendon bearing brace can reduce the overall peak plantar pressure in the foot but increases focal plantar pressure in forefoot. Excessive lifting of the heel seems to minimize the contact area, thus increase focal pressure in forefoot. Overall, plantar pressure seems to be more effectively off-loaded by combining maximum heel clearance and restriction of the ankle joint. Although effective parameters of patellar tendon bearing brace have been separately addressed in previous studies, no study was found that investigated the combined effect of ankle status and heel clearance. This study investigates the combined effect of these parameters and provides detailed information on clinical application of the patellar tendon bearing brace.

The effects of focused-rigidity casts on forefoot plantar pressures: a pilot investigation

To establish if focused rigidity casts (FRCs) reduce forefoot pressures in healthy participants, and to examine the effects of FRCs on contact area, contact pressure, peak pressure and force–time integral on the forefoot and the plantar pressures of the whole foot in participants with differing foot posture. Thirty-one healthy participants were recruited from a convenience sample of university staff and students. This study employed a repeated measures design, where walking in FRCs was compared with a control (canvas shoe). An in-shoe pressure measuring system was used to record changes in plantar pressure and the foot posture index was used to record foot posture. A statistically significant reduction in contact pressure (p ≤ 0.000; n=31) and peak pressures(p ≤ 0.002; n=31) was observed in the forefoot. A statistically significant reduction in contact area and contact pressure over the whole foot and rear foot when participants wore the FRC was also found. The greatest decrease occurred in participants with a supinated foot posture while the least occurred in participants with a pronated foot posture. An increase in peak pressure was found in the mid foot for participants with a normal and supinated foot postures when the FRC was worn. The results suggest that FRCs are an effective way of reducing forefoot pressures when compared with the control shoe. FRC’s work by redistributing pressure away from the forefoot to the area of increased rigidity beneath the cast.

Changes in Dynamic Plantar Pressure During Loaded Gait

Lower extremity overuse injuries are detrimental to military readiness. Extremes of arch height and heavy loads carried by military personnel are associated with increased risk for overuse injury. Little is known regarding the impact of load carriage on plantar pressure distributions during gait. The objective of this study was to determine how load carriage affects plantar pressure distributions during gait in individuals with varying arch types. A cross-sectional, repeated-measures design was used for the study. The study was performed at a research laboratory at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Service members who were healthy and weighing ≥70 kg were enrolled in the study. The participants (97 men, 18 women; mean age=31.3 years, SD=5.6; mean weight=86.0 kg, SD=11.0) were categorized as having high-, normal-, or low-arched feet on the basis of published cutoff values for the arch height index. Plantar pressure measurements were obtained with the use of an in-shoe pressure measurement system while participants wore combat boots and walked on a treadmill under 3 loaded conditions (uniform, 20-kg load, and 40-kg load). Maximal force (MaxF) and force-time integral (FTI) were assessed with the use of a 9-sector mask to represent regions of the foot. A 3 × 3 repeated-measures analysis of variance was used for analysis across the levels of load and arch type. A significant interaction existed between arch type and load for MaxF and FTI in the medial midfoot, with greater force in low-arched feet. In the medial forefoot, MaxF and FTI were greatest in high-arched feet across all load conditions. In the great toe region, low-arched and normally arched feet had greater MaxF and FTI. The relative distribution of FTI increased proportionately in all regions of the foot regardless of arch type for all load conditions. The influence of fatigue, greater loads, and different walking speeds was not assessed. Regardless of arch type, increases in load did not alter the relative distribution of force over the plantar foot during gait. Participants with high-arched feet had greater force in the medial forefoot region, whereas those with normally arched or low-arched feet had greater force in the great toe region, regardless of load. These differences in force distribution may demonstrate different strategies to generate a rigid lever during toe-off.

Towards understanding foot mobilisation techniques: a pilot study evaluating the immediate effects

Background While considerable research has evaluated the effects of joint mobilisation on spinal, pelvic and shoulder biomechanics, there is a paucity of research evaluating the effects of foot mobilisation techniques (FMT) on gait. This pilot study evaluated the immediate effects of FMT on plantar pressures and temporal-spatial gait parameters. Methods Fifteen adults (48±21.4 years) that had no known balance problems or falls history participated. An instrumented treadmill system (Zebris FMD-T, Zebris Medical, Germany) was used to measure plantar pressure and temporal-spatial gait parameters. Data were recorded for 30 seconds of steady state walking immediately before and after intervention using a standardised protocol of FMT. Repeated measures ANOVAs were used to assess the effect of FMT on gait parameters at an alpha level of .05. Results Of the 34 gait parameters measured, only three changed significantly after FMT. Peak pressure beneath the lateral heel (4%) and lateral forefoot (9%) was increased immediately following FMT (p<.05) and was accompanied by a delay (3%) in the time to peak pressure beneath the lateral forefoot (p<.05). Conclusion Changes in plantar pressure following FMT were small and less than the reported measurement error of the treadmill system. Therefore, in this pilot study the immediate effect of FMT on gait parameters was negligible. Further research evaluating short and long term effects of FMT on specific aspects of the locomotor system are needed.

보행 시 비대칭성 가방 휴대가 족저압에 미치는 영향

PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to examine changes caused by asymmetric bag carrying methods to carry the bag with one shoulder only to plantar pressure during walking. METHODS: Twenty three normal adults without any gait problem participated in the present study. Experimental conditions used consisted of walking without carrying any bag(condition 1), walking wearing a bag on both shouders (condition 2), and walking wearing a bag on the right shoulder(condition 3) and the weight of the bag was set to 15% of each subject's body weight. All the subjects were instructed to participate in all experiments under these three conditions and plantar pressures were measured from the subjects' right and left feet using an F-scan system while the subjects were walking under the three conditions. To analyze the measured plantar pressure, the sole was divided into seven areas (Hallux, Toe, Met1, Met23, Met45, Mid foot and Heel) and maximum plantar pressures in individual areas were measured. RESULTS: The results of measurement of plantar pressures under three walking conditions did not show significant changes in any areas of the left and right feet except for the mid foot area of the right food. The asymmetry between the left and right feet was examined and the results showed significant differences only in area Met23 under condition 2 and did not show significant differences in any other areas. CONCLUSION: On comprehensively considering the results of the present study, it could be seen that asymmetric bag carrying did not have large effects on changes in plantar pressure during walking compared to symmetric carrying. The reason for this is considered to be posture adjusting mechanisms against load positions.

Hip and plantar pressure kinematic parameters in the sit-to-stand transfer process

Objective To explore the influence of gender and age on hip and plantar pressure changes in the sit-to-stand transition. Methods Kinematic parameters such as changes in hip joint angle,motor velocity and speed,and also plantar pressure changes such as stress,pressure and contact area were observed as subjects of different ages and genders performed sit-to-stand transitions. Results ①Hip kinematics:The speeds of trunk movement and hip joint angle change in men and women were significantly different.Their average speed in rising was also significantly different.The young and middle-aged people rose faster with faster hip joint angle changes than the elderly.Their total rising time was therefore significantly shorter as well.()Plantar pressure kinematics:The men's plantar pressures were significantly higher than those of the women throughout the rising process.The plantar pressure of the young and middle-aged subjects was also significantly higher than that of the elderly.At the last stage of sit-to-stand transfer process the ground contact area of the women's was significantly larger,on average,than that of the men,and the elderly had significantly larger contact areas than young or middle-aged people. Conclusion During sit-to-stand transfers,men and young people move faster than women or the elderly.Women and older people tend to have larger foot-ground contact areas than men and younger persons.Different rehabilitation measures are required for different ages,genders and diseases. Key words: Sit to stand transitions; Rehabilitation; Plantar pressure; Joint angles; Normal adults

Finite element analysis of the foot: Model validation and comparison between two common treatments of the clawed hallux deformity

BackgroundClawed hallux is defined by first metatarsophalangeal joint extension and first interphalangeal joint flexion; it can increase plantar pressures and ulceration risk. We investigated two corrective surgical techniques, the modified Jones and flexor hallucis longus tendon transfer. MethodsA finite element foot model was modified to generate muscle overpulls, including extensor hallucis longus, flexor hallucis longus and peroneus longus. Both corrective procedures were simulated, predicting joint angle and plantar pressure changes. FindingsThe clawed hallux deformity was generated by overpulling: 1) extensor hallucis longus, 2) peroneus longus + extensor hallucis longus, 3) extensor hallucis longus + flexor hallucis longus and 4) all three together. The modified Jones reduced metatarsophalangeal joint angles, but acceptable hallux pressure was found only when there was no flexor hallucis longus overpull. The flexor hallucis longus tendon transfer reduced deformity at the metatarsophalangeal and interphalangeal joints but may extended the hallux due to the unopposed extensor hallucis longus. Additionally, metatarsal head pressure increased with overpulling of the extensor hallucis longus + flexor hallucis longus, and all three muscles together. InterpretationThe modified Jones was effective in correcting clawed hallux deformity involving extensor hallucis longus overpull without flexor hallucis longus overpull. The flexor hallucis longus tendon transfer was effective in correcting clawed hallux deformity resulting from the combined overpull of both extensor and flexor hallucis longus, but not with isolated extensor hallucis longus overpull. An additional procedure to reduce the metatarsal head pressure may be required concomitant to the flexor hallucis longus tendon transfer. However this procedure avoids interphalangeal joint fusion.

Evaluation of trunk sway in sit-to-stand motion using a pressure distribution measurement system

Sato S, Mizuma M, Kawate N, Kasai F, Wada S. Evaluation of trunk sway in sit-to-stand motion using a pressure distribution measurement system. Jpn J Compr Rehabil Sci 2012; 3: 6-10. Purpose: The majority of studies investigating sit-tostand (STS) motion have focused on the analysis of motion in the sagittal plane. We conducted a study using a pressure distribution measurement system known as BIG-MAT (BM) to investigate the bilateral asymmetry of STS. Method: Ten healthy men were asked perform STS movements while paying attention to their bilateral symmetry. We recorded the plantar pressure changes for both feet over the course of 15 rounds of STS. Based on the pressure sensitivity diagram obtained from the BM analysis, time-dependent changes in peak load pressure for both the left and right forefoot and hindfoot were evaluated. Results: Temporal bilateral differences in forefoot peak load were below 0.2 s in 50.3 ± 12.8% of subjects, more than 0.2 s in 45.0 ± 14.1% of subjects, and the peak itself was absent in in 4.0 ± 0.5% of subjects. Conclusion: Despite subjects attempting to remain aware of bilateral symmetry during STS movement, approximately 50% of STS motions were asymmetric. This study suggested the involvement of movements of the trunk, such as small rotations, lateral bendings, and lateral movements.

In-shoe plantar pressure changes between forward and backward running

In-shoe plantar pressure changes between forward and backward running

Repeated sprinting on natural grass impairs vertical stiffness but does not alter plantar loading in soccer players

This study aimed to determine changes in spring-mass model (SMM) characteristics, plantar pressures, and muscle activity induced by the repetition of sprints in soccer-specific conditions; i.e., on natural grass with soccer shoes. Thirteen soccer players performed 6×20m sprints interspersed with 20s of passive recovery. Plantar pressure distribution was recorded via an insole pressure recorder device divided into nine areas for analysis. Stride temporal parameters allowed to estimate SMM characteristics. Surface electromyographic activity was monitored for vastus lateralis, rectus femoris, and biceps femoris muscles. Sprint time, contact time, and total stride duration lengthened from the first to the last repetition (+6.7, +12.9, and +9.3%; all P<0.05), while flight time, swing time, and stride length remained constant. Stride frequency decrease across repetitions approached significance (-6.8%; P=0.07). No main effect of the sprint number or any significant interaction between sprint number and foot region was found for maximal force, mean force, peak pressure and mean pressure (all P>0.05). Center of mass vertical displacement increased (P<0.01) with time, together with unchanged (both P>0.05) peak vertical force and leg compression. Vertical stiffness decreased (-15.9%; P<0.05) across trials, whereas leg stiffness changes were not significant (-5.9%; P>0.05). Changes in root mean square activity of the three tested muscles over sprint repetitions were not significant. Although repeated sprinting on natural grass with players wearing soccer boots impairs their leg-spring behavior (vertical stiffness), there is no substantial concomitant alterations in muscle activation levels or plantar pressure patterns.

The effect of shoe lacing on plantar pressure distribution and in-shoe displacement of the foot in healthy participants

Aims A proof of concept study to investigate the effect of shoe lacing on the plantar pressure distribution and in-shoe displacement of the foot during walking. Methods Three randomized shoe-lacing conditions, which differed in lacing tightness (comfortable, loosened, and completely loose) were investigated in 20 healthy adults. On a 10-m walking test, plantar pressures were assessed with the Pedar ®-X in-shoe measurement system. Perceived in-shoe displacement was scored on a numerical rating scale. Results With respect to the pressure time integral statistically significant effects were found in the hallux, toes 2–5, first metatarsal head, and lateral midfoot regions. Post hoc comparison showed for the hallux: mean increase of 45.5 kPa s (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.2–87.8 kPa s), and toes 2–5: mean increase of 23.5 kPa s (95% CI: 0.1–46.9 kPa s) between comfortably secured and completely loosened laces; lateral midfoot: mean decrease of −18.1 kPa s (95% CI: −31.5 to −4.8 kPa s) between comfortably secured and loosened laces. No significant effect was found on peak pressure, and average pressure. Participants reported a significant increase in heel slipping and in slipping back and forth of the foot as the laces were loosened. Conclusions Looser lacing techniques resulted in small peak and average plantar pressure changes (less than 3% and 6.5% respectively). Pressure time integral under the hallux and toes 2–5 increased 16.3% and 14.5% respectively, and perceived in-shoe displacement increased as compared to comfortably secured laces. These results suggest that diabetes patients should be advised to comfortably tighten their shoelaces during the whole day.

Repeated sprinting on natural grass impairs vertical stiffness but doesn't alter plantar loading in Qatari soccer players

Background: The ability of players to recover and reproduce sprint performance is a crucial fitness component in soccer. In recent years, there has been an exponential interest in the study of neuro-physiological mechanisms limiting performance during repeated-sprint tests, whereas relatively little attention has been given to the biomechanical manifestation of fatigue. Understanding such factors is critical to performance enhancement and injury prevention strategies in soccer. Aim: This study aimed to determine changes in spring-mass model characteristics, plantar pressures and muscle activity induced by the repetition of sprints in soccer-specific conditions i.e. on natural grass with soccer shoes. Methods: Thirteen soccer players, members of two under nineteen Qatar Youth League teams, performed 6 x 20m sprints interspersed with 20s of passive recovery. Plantar pressure distribution was recorded via an insole pressure recorder device divided into nine areas for analysis. Stride temporal parameters allowed the estimation of spring-mass model characteristics. Surface electromyographic activity was monitored for vastus lateralis, rectus femoris and biceps femoris muscles. Results: Sprint time, contact time and total stride duration lengthened from the first to the last repetition (+6.7%, +12.9% and +9.3%; all p&lt;0.05), while flight time, swing time and stride length remained constant. Stride frequency decrease across repetitions approached significance (-6.8%; p=0.07). No main effect of the sprint number nor any significant interaction between sprint number and foot region was found for maximal force, mean force, peak and mean pressure (all p&gt;0.05). Center of mass vertical displacement increased (p&lt;0.01) with time, together with unchanged (both p&gt;0.05) peak vertical force and leg compression. Vertical stiffness decreased (-15.9%; p&lt;0.05) across trials, whereas leg stiffness changes were not significant (-5.9%; p&gt;0.05). Changes in root mean square activity of the three tested muscles over sprint repetitions were not significant. Conclusion: Although repeated sprinting on natural grass with players wearing soccer boots impairs their leg-spring behavior (vertical stiffness), there is no substantial concomitant alterations in muscle activation levels or plantar pressure patterns.

Evaluation of sit-to-stand motion using a pressure distribution measurement system – effect of differences in seat hardness on sit-to-stand motion

Purpose. This study examined differences between standing from an ordinary seat and standing from a low-repulsion mat using a pressure distribution measurement system (BIG-MAT) and identified parameters to determine sit-to-stand (STS) motion difficulty.Method. Ten healthy male volunteers (aged 30–38 years) participated. During STS motion from an ordinary seat and from a low-repulsion urethane mat, plantar surface pressure changes of both feet and the centre of pressure (COP) trajectory were recorded for 7 s. This series of tests was performed four times in each subject. Left and right pressure changes and COP changes were evaluated. Differences in the measurements between the low-repulsion mat and the ordinary seat were compared using the paired t-test.Results. COP changes were similar to those previously reported. Time from hindfoot peak to forefoot peak was significantly shorter with the ordinary chair than with the mat (p < 0.05). Percent change in forefoot pressure at forefoot peak and hindfoot peak (p < 0.01) and percent change in forefoot pressure at forefoot peak and stabilisation (p < 0.05) were significantly different.Conclusions. Time from hindfoot peak to forefoot peak and percent change in forefoot pressure at forefoot peak and hindfoot peak were the best indicators of STS motion difficulty.

Augmented Low Dye Taping Changes Muscle Activation Patterns and Plantar Pressure During Treadmill Running

Randomized, crossover study. To examine changes in muscle activity and plantar pressure during running with the application of augmented low Dye (ALD) taping. ALD taping is used clinically as part of management for lower limb injury. As of yet, no studies have examined the effect of this taping method on muscle activity and plantar pressure during running, simultaneously. Thirteen healthy recreational runners(mean ± SD age, 31.7 ± 4.9 years; height, 181.7 ± 4.6 cm; body mass, 81.6 ± 5.9 kg) completed a 6-minute run on a treadmill at a speed of 10 km·h⁻¹, with 3 different taping conditions (ALD, control tape, no tape), applied in randomized order. Peak and average EMG signal amplitude, onset time, and burst duration were calculated for the vastus medialis, vastus lateralis, and the gluteus medius. In-shoe plantar pressures were also recorded. All data were calculated based on an average of 20 steps collected after 5 minutes of treadmill running. ALD taping significantly altered muscle activity and plantar pressure during treadmill running by (1) delaying the onset of the EMG signal of the gluteus medius, vastus medialis, and vastus lateralis, and (2) increasing lateral midfoot plantar pressure. ALD taping significantly alters plantar pressure and muscle activation patterns during treadmill running. These findings give insight into the neuromuscular effect of a taping procedure that is used commonly in a clinical setting.