Plantar Pressure Characteristics Research Articles

Prevalence of flatfoot and analysis of plantar pressure distribution in adolescents based on body mass index: a regional study

BackgroundThe foot is an essential organ for human locomotion. Assessment of plantar pressure distribution could provide key clinical information on foot functions. However, the mechanism that links body mass index to injury is not clear. The aims of this study were (1) to analyze the feature of plantar pressure distribution in Chinese adolescents and (2) to estimate the prevalence of flatfoot.Methods1,217 participants aged 17–23 years (756 males and 461 females) were enrolled in this study. Static and dynamic foot-related variables, including contact area and plantar pressure, were measured. Based on BMI, participants were stratified into three groups: the underweight group (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2), the norm weight group (18.5 ≤ BMI < 25 kg/m2), and the overweight group (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2). Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the three different BMI groups.ResultsOverall, BMI had an impact on the contact area and plantar pressure at the 2nd to 4th metatarsal, 5th metatarsal, midfoot, and lateral heel, with greater pressure in these areas in the dynamic state. In particular, when shifting from the static phase to the dynamic phase, the plantar pressure of the forefoot shifted laterally. Moreover, the contact area, and plantar pressure at 2nd to 4th metatarsal, 5th metatarsal, middle foot, and lateral heel pressures were positively correlated with BMI. Among the 1217 participants, 67 adolescents were diagnosed with flatfoot.ConclusionsThis study confirms that BMI does influence plantar pressures and that each BMI classification displays unique plantar pressure characteristics in Chinese adolescents.

Plantar Pressure Characteristics with Foot Postures and Balance Abilities in Indigenous Taiwanese: A Preliminary Exploration.

BACKGROUND Although Indigenous Taiwanese are generally known for having excellent athleticism and balance abilities, the correlation between foot characteristics and balance abilities has rarely been discussed. This study aimed to explore the characteristics of plantar pressure profiles associated with foot posture and balance abilities among Indigenous Taiwanese. MATERIAL AND METHODS We recruited 165 Indigenous college students and 183 healthy age-matched students. Bipedal static plantar pressure distributions (PPDs) with arch index (AI) and centers of gravity balance were examined using the JC Mat. Foot posture was determined by estimating the rearfoot postural alignment. RESULTS Indigenous Taiwanese in the study generally had low-arched feet with increased plantar loads at the medial (left: 1.21±0.43%; right: 1.20±0.46%) and lateral longitudinal arches (left: 24.51±5.26%; right: 24.45±6.64) (P<0.01) and the medial metatarsals (left: 21.78±3.81%; right: 22.19±3.91) (P<0.01). Footprint images illustrated pronounced cuboid and navicular collapses. Performances of balance abilities (left: 49.53±4.38%; right: 50.47±4.38) (P<0.01) and rearfoot postural angles (left: 1.37±1.25°; right: 1.32±1.17°) (P<0.05) were better than those of controls. CONCLUSIONS The feet in Indigenous Taiwanese had low arches and higher plantar loads at the medial and lateral longitudinal arches and medial metatarsals, while their centers of gravity were symmetrical and rearfoot posture was normal. These results may facilitate further studies on the relationship between foot characteristics, potential athleticism, and musculoskeletal injuries in Indigenous Taiwanese.

Levitating Magnetic Insoles: A Novel Approach to Alleviating Plantar Fasciitis Through the Reduction and Redistribution of Plantar Pressures

Plantar fasciitis, a leading cause of foot pain, affects a significant portion of the population, with an estimated prevalence of 10% during an individual’s lifetime. This debilitating condition can result in substantial healthcare costs and decreased quality of life. The pain is attributed to the inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is crucial for supporting the foot's arch. Risk factors for plantar fasciitis include obesity, sedentary lifestyles, improper footwear, and biomechanical abnormalities. Current treatment options are primarily conservative, with varying levels of success. In response, an affordable, lightweight, and soft, magnetic insole was developed as a novel approach to alleviate plantar fasciitis by reducing and redistributing plantar pressures with neodymium magnets. The final prototype achieves a magnetic repulsion force of approximately 84.57 lbs. and incorporates sensor modules to monitor data. The device also facilitates real-time data visualization between Arduino and personal devices, providing valuable insights into plantar pressure and walking characteristics for various patients. Data analysis and structural optimization are further enhanced through the use of MATLAB and Excel, which generate heatmaps to visualize plantar pressure distribution. Future research should focus on increasing the magnetic intensity to improve pain relief effectiveness and incorporating personalized disease-specific adjustments to optimize the magnet placement within the sole. By addressing the prevalent issue of foot pain and offering a potential solution for plantar fasciitis, our levitating magnetic insoles demonstrate significant potential for enhancing the quality of life for a large portion of the population.

Plantar pressure in relation to hindfoot varus in people with unilateral upper motor neuron syndrome.

Hindfoot varus deformity is common in people with unilateral upper motor neuron syndrome (UMNS) and can be dynamic or persistent. The aims of this study were (1) to gain insight into plantar pressure characteristics of people with chronic UMNS in relation to hindfoot varus and (2) to propose a quantitative outcome measure, based on plantar pressure, for the scientific evaluation of surgical interventions. In this retrospective study, a cohort comprising plantar pressure data of 49 people with UMNS (22 "no hindfoot varus", 18 "dynamic hindfoot varus", and 9 "persistent hindfoot varus"), and 586 healthy controls was analyzed. As an indication of plantigrade foot contact, the ratio between the plantar contact area of the affected and the non-affected foot was calculated. To investigate spatial and temporal aspects of plantar pressure, normalized plantar pressure patterns and center of pressure trajectories were computed. People with UMNS had lower plantar pressure area ratios compared to healthy controls. Additionally, increased plantar pressure underneath the lateral foot was found in people with a persistent hindfoot varus. Center of pressure trajectories were more lateral during the first 26% of the stance phase in people with a dynamic hindfoot varus and during the first 82% of the stance phase in people with a persistent hindfoot varus compared to healthy controls. Spatial and temporal differences in plantar pressure were found in people with dynamic or persistent hindfoot varus deformity. We propose to primarily use the medio-lateral center of pressure trajectory as outcome measure for the scientific evaluation of surgical interventions targeting hindfoot varus.

Correlation between body composition variables and plantar pressure and pain level

Purpose From a current perspective, recent studies have shown the influence of changes in body weight on the distribution of plantar pressure and foot pain, emphasizing the importance of understanding these relationships. There is currently a lack of research integrating body composition, plantar pressure distribution and gender comparison to elucidate the complex interaction between these variables. Therefore, the main objective of this investigation is to evaluate body composition through BIA (bioimpedance) and the distribution of plantar pressure in the subjects' feet through pressure platform analysis with a specific focus on comparisons between the sexes and the associations between these variables. Methods The study employed an observational cross-sectional design. A total of 77 participants (n=77) aged between 18 and 91 years were assessed, the majority of whom were female (n=53, 68.83%), while 24 participants (n=24, 31.17%) were male. The average age of the participants was 60.717 years for males and 54.33 years for females. Baropodometry and bioimpedance tests were carried out. Results Significant differences with a medium effect were recorded only for the three indicators, while the rest of the values showed a large effect. Significant negative correlations were found between age and height (p &lt; 0.05) and positive correlations between age and other factors such as BMI, fat mass, lean mass, and various foot-related metrics. Conclusions The results of this study showed that plantar pressure characteristics differ according to gender and are related to body composition and pain level.

Footwear Design and Biomechanics Evaluation for Clinical Nurses

Epidemiological investigations have shown a higher prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders, (WRMDs) among nursing professionals. More than most other occupational groups. Most nursing activities require long periods of standing and walking. These job requirements can cause WRMDs problems in the lower limbs, and there are few footwear products available specifically for use by clinical nurses. Therefore, improving the current clinical nurse shoes and improving the wearing comfort of clinical nurse shoes are the necessary conditions to reduce the lower limb discomfort of clinical nurses. The purpose of this study is :(1) to test and obtain the foot morphology and walking gait characteristics of nurses in standing state by using human foot scanning and sports biomechanics technology, and to design comfortable clinical nursing footwear products suitable for nurses through shoe last optimization and application of environmentally friendly materials. (2) Sports biomechanical testing technology was used to test and compare the developed clinical care shoes with other shoes in the market, and the biomechanical characteristics of participants wearing different shoes were measured and compared to verify the design effect of clinical care shoes and improve it. This research method is divided into three stages. First, field observations and exercise biomechanics tests of the participants were performed, and data acquisition included plantar pressure characteristics, a three-dimensional foot model, foot surface temperature distribution, walking speed, and proportions of walking, standing, and sitting. Secondly, the clinical nursing shoes were designed based on the test results and the sample shoes were made. Finally, the function of professional nursing was evaluated through the exercise biomechanical testing technique. Measurements included lower limb joint range of motion (ROM), foot Pressure, ground reaction force (GRF), and subjective discomfort ratings for the lower body and feet. To summarize the findings of this study, comfortable clinical care shoes should emphasize arch support at the sole, use three-dimensional vertical insoles, and design heel height below 5 cm to significantly reduce plantar pressure distribution and ground impact, increase ankle flexibility, and recommend the use of pressure socks to reduce the risk of varicose veins in the lower extremities.

Shoe-Integrated Sensor System for Diagnosis of the Concomitant Syndesmotic Injury in Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability: A Prospective Double-Blind Diagnostic Test.

Chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI) is commonly secondary to prior lateral ankle ligament injury, and the concomitant latent syndesmosis injury would prolong recovery time and increase the risk of substantial traumatic arthritis. However, differentiating syndesmotic injury from isolated lateral ankle ligament injury in CLAI cases is difficult by conventional physical and radiological examinations. To improve the accuracy of syndesmotic injury diagnosis, a shoe-integrated sensor system (SISS) is proposed. This system measures plantar pressure during walking to detect the presence of syndesmotic injury. The study included 27 participants who had ankle sprains and underwent an examination. Plantar pressure in eight regions of interest was measured for both limbs, and syndesmotic injuries were examined using arthroscopy. The width of the syndesmosis was measured to evaluate its severity. The characteristics of plantar pressure were compared between patients with normal and injured syndesmosis. The results indicated that peak plantar pressure ratios with logistic regression predicted value > 0.51 accurately distinguished concomitant syndesmotic injury during walking, with high sensitivity (80%) and specificity (75%). The post-test probability of having a syndesmotic injury was positively 80% and negatively 25%. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of cost-effective wearable sensors in objectively diagnosing concomitant syndesmotic injuries in cases of CLAI.

Plantar pressure distribution in the evaluation and differentiation of flatfeet

BackgroundAlthough foot diseases are common, only a few studies have detailed the biomechanical and anatomical components of each disorder. The most reliable diagnostic tool for flatfoot is X-ray radiography. Achieving a similar accurate and objective diagnosis using another assessment tool, such as plantar pressure measurements, can be more convenient in clinical practice. Research questionTo identify foot plantar pressure characteristics that primarily detect flatfoot based on X-ray, which addresses the use of such assessments for flatfoot diagnosis. In addition, to compare between the normal foot, flatfoot with positive Foot Posture Index-6 (FPI), and flatfoot with positive FPI and radiographic measures. MethodsSixty-two feet were examined from healthy female subjects aged 20.38 ± 1.10 years. According to the results of FPI and X-ray, each sample was assigned to one of the three groups (normal: negative FPI; FPI+: FPI ≥ +6; X-ray and FPI+: Arch Angle ≥ 165°, CP ≤ 12.3° and FPI ≥ +6) and compared using plantar pressure variables. ResultsAs per normal group compared to X-ray and FPI+ group, there was a significant difference in the surface area (P-value: 0.01, 95 % CI: −26.58 to −3.62), force (P-value: 0.04, 95 % CI: −10.37 to −0.09), and pressure (P-value: 0.01, 95 % CI: −56.78 to −6.35) in the medial foot. Similarly, the arch index among the normal group and the X-ray and FPI+ group showed significant differences (Static AI; P-value: 0.003, 95 % CI: −0.21 to −0.04). ConclusionThere was a significant difference in plantar pressure between the normal feet and flatfeet with positive FPI and X-ray in the medial foot area. SignificanceTo attain a consensus among diagnostic approaches to identify flatfoot, the combined comparison of observational, foot pressure, and radiographic methods that have shown considerable reliability can be useful for clinical practice.

Effects of Footwear Selection on Plantar Pressure and Neuromuscular Characteristics during Jump Rope Training.

This study examined what footwear type influenced plantar pressure and lower extremity muscle activations in jump rope training. Ten healthy physical-education graduate students participated in this study. The biomechanical parameters during the jump rope training were collected by an AMTI force platform, a Novel Pedar-X insole and a wireless electromyography (EMG) system. The results of the force platform indicate that vertical ground reaction force (vGRF) and contact time were much higher in the one-leg landing (both p = 0.001). The GRF, GRF (BW) and Lat MF pressure were significantly greater in the one-leg landing (p = 0.018, 0.013 and 0.027); the pressure of the Lat MF and H area were significantly greater in the volleyball shoe (p = 0.025, 0.031); the pressure of the Mid FF and Lat FF area were significantly greater in the jumping shoe (p = 0.005, 0.042). No significant difference in EMG was found between footwear and landing conditions. In summary, the running shoe and jumping shoe might be a better choice for people who exercise. However, the running shoe is recommended for people when both jumping and running are required.

Characteristics of foot plantar pressure during turning in young male adults

BackgroundTurning gait is considered as a challenging motor task. However, only few existing studies reported turning biomechanics from the aspect of foot plantar pressure. Research questionThis study aimed to investigate turning biomechanics by studying foot plantar pressure characteristics MethodsTwelve young male participants were involved in this experimental study. They were instructed to perform turning tasks with different turning angles (i.e., 30°, 60°, and 90°). Foot plantar pressure was quantified by the force time integral (FTI) underneath seven plantar sub-areas. Analysis was carried out for different turning strategies (spin turns versus step turns), separately. ResultsThe results showed that for small-angle spin turns, plantar pressure patterns changed at the early stage of the approaching step, suggesting a preparatory action for the increased lower limb range of motion in the transverse plane during turning; for step turns, an imbalance weight bearing mechanism was adopted when making large-angle turns to compensate for the centripetal force during turning. SignificanceThe findings provide improved knowledge about turning biomechanics. They have practical implications for motion planning of lower-limb assistive devices for those with difficulties in turning.

Elite Tennis Players Experiencing High-Arched Supination and Cuboids Dropped Foot Syndromes in Daily Normal Gait.

Many studies have focused on the plantar pressure characteristics of specific movements and footwork in tennis. However, little research has been conducted for exploring the foot characteristics among tennis professionals’ daily habitual paces. This study aims to examine the pressure profiles associated with foot posture and balance abilities of elite tennis players during normal gait to understand how foot loading patterns result from habitual paces that may be derived from intensive tennis training and competition. A cross-sectional comparative study is conducted on 95 male college elite tennis players (mean age: 20.2 ± 1.2 years) and 100 male recreational tennis players (mean age: 19.8 ± 0.9 years). Bipedal plantar pressure distributions (PPDs) associated with arch index (AI) and centers of gravity balance are explored through the plantar pressure device. The foot posture is estimated to determine the rearfoot postural alignment. During the midstance phase of walking with a normal gait, the bipedal AI values of the elite group are significantly lower, indicating that they have high-arched feet. Additionally, the elite group experienced higher PPDs at the lateral regions of their longitudinal arches and heels and relatively lower PPDs at the medial portions of both feet. Rearfoot postural alignment resonance analysis of the PPDs suggests that the elite group experienced foot supination associated with cuboid dropped. Moreover, the right foot bears heavier centers of gravity balance in the present study. The elite tennis players in the study are categorized as having high-arched supination with cuboids dropped when performing daily habitual paces. This finding warrants further investigation into the correlation between possible injuries and daily habitual paces that may result from tennis’ intensive training and competition.

The effects of calf muscles fatigue on dynamic plantar pressure distribution in normal foot posture and flexible flatfoot: A case-control study

Flexible flatfoot is associated with altered plantar pressure distribution, but it is not clear how muscle fatigue affects plantar pressure characteristics in flexible flatfoot and normal foot. To investigate the effects of calf muscles fatigue on plantar pressure variables in flexible flatfoot and normal foot. Twenty-five people with flexible flatfoot and twenty-five people with normal foot were included. The unilateral heel-rise test was used to induce calf muscles fatigue. Plantar pressure variables were collected during preferred walking immediately before and after fatigue. The two-way mixed-design ANOVA was used to determine the main effect of fatigue and the interaction between foot posture and fatigue. Fatigue caused medialization of the contact area under the forefoot and the maximum force under the heel and forefoot (p< 0.05). When examining the differences in the effects of fatigue between groups, the contact area under the medial heel increased with fatigue in flexible flatfoot but decreased in normal foot; moreover, the contact area and maximum force under the midfoot and the maximum force under the third metatarsal decreased with fatigue in flexible flatfoot but increased in normal foot (p< 0.05). Calf muscles fatigue caused medialization of the maximum force and contact area. Especially the midfoot was affected differently by fatigue in flexible flatfoot and normal foot.

Comparison of Plantar Pressure in Patient with Hallux Valgus and Healthy Control and Effect of Demographic Characteristic on it: A Pixel Based Approach

Abstract: There is no detailed information available about the differences in plantar pressure distribution between hallux valgus and healthy feet. The goal of this study was to evaluate the plantar pressure of the left and right feet in hallux valgus patients against healthy controls. The current research also looks at the impact of demographic factors on plantar pressure distribution. Furthermore, a correlation between the hallux valgus foot and radiographic measures such as the hallux valgus angle and intermetatarsal angle is investigated. There were 50 patients with hallux valgus (HV group) and 55 healthy matched controls (C group) who did not have hallux valgus in the research. Age, height, weight, and body mass index did not differ significantly between the HV and C groups. The CAD WALK open access database is used to obtain dynamic plantar pressure measurements. Using manual masking, the plantar region of the foot was divided into eight sections. When compared to healthy controls, the hallux valgus foot has three abnormal pressure patterns in the left foot and two abnormal plantar pressure patterns in the right foot in various regions. The comparison is done using the region of interest's peak pixel intensity. According to our findings, when the hallux valgus angle increases, plantar pressure characteristics change from the medial to lateral side of the forefoot. Demographic characteristics like age, height, and shoe size were discovered to be important considerations during a plantar pressure study. We may conclude from our findings that manual masking on 2D plantar pressure footprints is quite reliable. Keywords: hallux valgus deformity, hallux valgus angle, intermetatarsal angle, peak plantar pressure, plantar pressure distribution

Traceable Features of Static Plantar Pressure Characteristics and Foot Postures in College Students with Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy.

Patients with cerebral palsy (CP) are characterized by disturbances of mobility with postural and foot deformities. Subsequent development of CP may lead to changes in plantar loading. This study examined the characteristics of foot types and relative loads associated with centers of gravity and foot posture in college students with left and right hemiplegic CP, as well as these differences between unaffected and hemiplegic limbs. A cross-sectional study of 45 hemiplegic college students with mild CP and 62 healthy students was conducted. Static plantar pressure was measured with a JC Mat. CP students exhibited low arches, and their plantar pressure distributions (PPDs) were mainly exerted on the left forefoot, as well as on the right forefoot and rearfoot. The weight shifted to the unaffected foot with dual plantar loading regions (forefoot and rearfoot), rather than the hemiplegic foot with a single region (forefoot). PPDs commonly increased at the medial metatarsals of both feet, and hemiplegic CP students presented the increased PPDs on the medial aspect of the hemiplegic foot accompanied by a rearfoot valgus posture pattern. The findings revealed a traceable feature to a possible connection among the pronated low arches, mild centers of gravity, metatarsal syndrome and rearfoot valgus of the hemiplegic limbs in CP patients.

Characteristics of Plantar Pressure with Foot Postures and Lower Limb Pain Profiles in Taiwanese College Elite Rugby League Athletes.

Background: This study aimed to explore the differences in the distributions of plantar pressure in static and dynamic states and assess the possible pain profiles in the lower limb between elite rugby league athletes and recreational rugby players. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 51 college elite rugby athletes and 57 recreational rugby players was undertaken. The arch index (AI) and plantar pressure distributions (PPDs) with footprint characteristics were evaluated via the JC Mat. Rearfoot alignment was examined to evaluate the static foot posture. The elite group’s lower-limb pain profiles were examined for evaluating the common musculoskeletal pain areas. Results: The recreational group’s AI values fell into the normal range, whereas the elite group’s arch type fell into the category of the low arch. Results from the elite group were: (1) the PPDs mainly exerted on the entire forefoot and lateral midfoot regions in static standing, and transferred to the forefoot region during the midstance phase of walking; (2) the static rearfoot alignment matched the varus posture pattern; (3) the footprint characteristics illustrated the features of low-arched, supinated, dropped metatarsal heads and dropped cuboid feet; and (4) the phalanx and metatarsophalangeal joints, and the abductor hallucis and abductor digiti minimi of the plantar plate were common musculoskeletal pain areas. Conclusions: Characteristics of higher plantar loads beneath forefoot and midfoot associated with low-arched supinated feet in bipedal static stance could be the traceable features for the foot diagram of elite rugby league athletes. The limb pain profiles of the elite rugby league athletes within this study echoed the literature on rugby injuries, and reflected the features of metatarsophalangeal joint pains and dropped cuboids. The relationships among the low-arched supinated feet, metatarsophalangeal joint pains and cuboid syndrome are worth further studies.

Static and Dynamic Plantar Pressure and Normalized Plantar Pressure Characteristics among Children, Adults, and the Elderly

Background: A better understanding of plantar pressure while standing and walking would help in improving balance and gait performance across different age ranges. Objective: To clarify the differences of plantar pressure while standing and walking among children, adults, and the elderly. Materials and Methods: Fifty-three participants including eleven aged 3 to 8 years, thirty aged 20 to 40 years, and twelve aged 60 to 90 years were included in the present study. Plantar pressure and related parameters while quiet standing and walking with self-selected speed were assessed. Results: In static plantar pressure, no significant differences were observed of mean different pressure and mean different contact area between dominant and non-dominant limbs among the three groups, while center of pressure (COP) displacement was shown as significantly greater between children and adults (p&lt;0.05). For dynamic plantar pressure, no significant differences in COP velocity were found among the three groups. The elderly showed significant lower normalized maximum plantar pressure in areas of the second and third metatarsal, and internal heel compared with the young adults (p&lt;0.05). Additionally, normalized maximum plantar pressures among children seemed to differ from adults. Conclusion: Plantar pressure characteristics could indicate that children develop gait ability in braking and propulsion phases with greater heel and toe function, while the ability of braking and propulsion declined with aging. These could reflect balance ability while standing or walking. Keywords: Foot pressure; Children; Elderly; Normalization

A Current Review of Foot Disorder and Plantar Pressure Alternation in the Elderly

Fall is a very common injury, especially in older adults with foot deformities and other foot disorders. Even a small fall may cause fatal damage to this cohort. The purpose of this study was to conduct a review elucidating plantar pressure pattern under different foot deformities in the elderly. English-language search of the electronic databases in PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and Web of Science was conducted from 2000 to May 2020. Fifteen studies were found after literature searching and screening. Among them, 2 studies described the plantar pressure of plantar hyperkeratosis lesions in the elderly, 2 studies depicted the plantar pressure of pronated foot supinated foot in the elderly, 4 studies explored the plantar pressure distribution of hallux valgus and other foot deformities, and 7 studies focused on the plantar pressure of diabetic foot deformity in the elderly. Foot deformity appears to alter the plantar pressure in the elderly, and plantar pressure characteristics differ according to foot deformities.

Brazilian girls who practice classical ballet develop different motor strategies regarding postural stability

Introduction: The growth and development of children is a product of the interaction of biological andenvironmental factors. Dance practice can optimize various aspects of motor control, coordination andbalance in childhood and adolescence. Objective: The objective of the present study was to verify how the practice of classical ballet, at a professional level, can influence the plantar pressures and balance of children and adolescents, as well as to verify if subjects’ vision and posture of the upper limbs can interfere in this result. Methods: Cross-sectional study performed with 111 girls aged 10 to 15 years who practice classical ballet (n = 56) and non-dancers (n = 55). Anthropometry (BMI), plantar pressures and postural stability (baropodometry platform) were assessed. Three different conditions: eyes open (EO), eyes closed (EC) and arms outstretched (AO) were observed. Data analysis performed by using group comparison and correlation tests. Results: Those who practiced classical ballet placed less weight onto the left forefoot, presented lower values of maximum pressure and plantar surface area in all the evaluated conditions and moved less in the stabilometry analysis. It also observed that ballet dancers were more influenced by vision and positioning of the upper limbs than the group of non-dancers. Length of time as a dancer influenced the results found. Conclusions: Girls who practice classical ballet have specific characteristics of plantar pressure and develop different postural control strategies when compared to typical girls of similar age, especially in the arms outstretch position.

The effects of gait speed on plantar pressure variables in individuals with normal foot posture and flatfoot

It is not known how gait speed affects plantar pressure characteristics in flatfoot. The aim of this work was to investigate the effects of gait speed on plantar pressure variables in flatfoot by comparing it to normal foot posture. Thirty individuals with flatfoot and 30 individuals with normal foot posture were recruited. Plantar pressure variables were obtained by a pressure-sensitive mat at self-selected slow, normal, and fast speeds. All assessments were performed on the dominant foot, and three satisfactory steps were obtained for each gait speed condition. The order of gait speeds was randomized. In the flatfoot group, the contact area was higher in the midfoot, third metatarsal, and hallux at all speeds, also in the second metatarsal at slow and normal speeds than the normal foot posture group ( p < 0.05). The maximum force was higher in the midfoot and hallux at all speeds in the flatfoot group ( p < 0.05). Also, the maximum force was lower in the first metatarsal at normal and fast speeds, and in the lateral heel at fast speed ( p < 0.05). In the flatfoot group, the peak pressure was found to be higher in the hallux at slow speed, but to be lower in the first metatarsal at fast speed ( p < 0.05). Further, plantar pressure distribution was affected by gait speed in both feet. Analysis of plantar pressure variables should be performed at different gait speeds.

Stumbling prediction based on plantar pressure distribution.

Stumbles are common accidents that can result in falls and serious injuries, particularly in the workplace where back and forth movements are involved and in offices where high heels are imperative. Currently, the characteristics of plantar pressure during a stumble and the differences between stumbling and a normal gait remain unclear. This paper is aimed at providing insights into the feasibility of the data mining technique for interventions in stumble-related occupational safety issues. The characteristics of plantar pressure distribution during stumbling and normal gait were analyzed by using the power spectrum density (PSD) and the Support Vector Machine (SVM). The PSD, a novel pattern recognition feature, was used to mathematically describe the image signal. The SVM, a powerful data mining technique, was used as the classifier to recognize a stumble. Dynamic plantar pressures were measured from twelve healthy participants as they walked. The plantar pressures of the stumbling gaits had significantly different patterns compared to the normal ones, from either a qualitative or quantitative perspective. The mean recognition accuracy of the proposed method reached 96.7%. This study helps better understand stumbles and provides a theoretical basis for stumble-related occupational injuries. In addition, the stumble is the precursor of a fall and the research on stumble recognition would be of value to predict and provide warnings of falls and to design anti-fall devices for potential victims.