Plantar Foot Pressure Research Articles

Developing excellent plantar pressure sensors for monitoring human motions by using highly compressible and resilient PMMA conductive iongels

Based on real-time detection of plantar pressure, gait recognition could provide important health information for rehabilitation administration, fatigue prevention, and sports training assessment. So far, such researches are extremely limited due to lacking of reliable, stable and comfortable plantar pressure sensors. Herein, a strategy for preparing high compression strength and resilience conductive iongels has been proposed by implanting physically entangled polymer chains with covalently cross-linked networks. The resulting iongels have excellent mechanical properties including nice compliance (young’s modulus < 300 kPa), high compression strength (>10 MPa at a strain of 90 %), and good resilience (self-recovery within seconds). And capacitive pressure sensor composed by them possesses excellent sensitivity, good linear response even under very small stress (∼kPa), and long-term durability (cycles > 100,000) under high-stress conditions (133 kPa). Then, capacitive pressure sensor arrays have been prepared for high-precision detection of plantar pressure spatial distribution, which also exhibit excellent sensing performances and long-term stability. Further, an extremely sensitive and fast response plantar pressure monitoring system has been designed for monitoring plantar pressure of foot at different postures including upright, forward and backward. The system achieves real-time tracking and monitoring of changes of plantar pressure during different static and dynamic posture processes. And the characteristics of plantar pressure information can be digitally and photography displayed. Finally, we propose an intelligent framework for real-time detection of plantar pressure by combining electronic insoles with data analysis system, which presents excellent applications in sport trainings and safety precautions.

Clinical Effect of Screw Internal Fixation on Fracture Healing and Ankle Alignment in Patients with Posterior Malleolar Fracture.

To examine the clinical impact of screw internal fixation on the process of fracture healing and ankle alignment in individuals diagnosed with posterior malleolar (PM) fracture, specifically those with a fracture involving less than 25% of the articular surface (ASR) area. A total of 120 patients diagnosed and treated for PM fracture, encompassing less than 25% of the distal tibial ASR area, were selected from our hospital's records spanning from September 2021 to June 2023. These people were subsequently divided into two groups, namely the control group (group A) and the observation group (group B), based on the distinct treatment methods employed, with each group consisting of 60 patients. The people in the group A were treated with posterior malleolus non internal fixation, while the patients in the group B were treated with posterior malleolus screw internal fixation. The visual analog scores, peak plantar pressure and AOFAS scores of the two groups were subjected to comparison. The visual analog scores in the observation group at 6 months and 12 months after operation were reduced than the group A. Three months after operation, the peak plantar pressure of the affected foot (full foot, hind foot) in the group B was reduced than that of the healthy foot; There was a lack of statistically significant variation observed in the peak plantar pressure (full foot, hind foot) between the affected foot and the healthy foot 12 months after operation in the group B, and the plantar pressure tended to be balanced. Three months after operation, the peak plantar pressure of the affected foot (full foot, hind foot) in the group A was reduced than that of the healthy foot; After a period of 12 months following the surgical procedure, no notable disparity in the maximum pressure exerted on the sole of the foot was observed between the foot that underwent the operation and the unaffected foot in the group A, but the peak plantar pressure of the whole foot was reduced than that of the healthy foot, and the plantar pressure did not tend to be balanced. At the intervals of 6 months and 12 months following the surgical procedure, AOFAS ankle hind foot score in the group B was increased than the group A. The utilization of screw internal fixation demonstrates favorable clinical outcomes in patients presenting with PM fracture encompassing less than 25% of the articular surface area, which is conducive to promoting fracture healing, maintaining good ankle alignment, and promoting patient rehabilitation. screw internal fixation, posterior ankle fracture, articular surface of distal tibia, fracture healing, ankle joint alignment.

Plantar pressure profile during walking is associated with talar cartilage characteristics in individuals with chronic ankle instability

BackgroundIndividuals with chronic ankle instability typically present with abnormal gait patterns favoring the lateral foot. This gait pattern may alter cartilage stress potentially increasing the risk of osteoarthritis development, thus exploring this relationship may provide insights for early interventions. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship gait biomechanics and talar articular cartilage characteristics. MethodsTalar articular cartilage was assessed with ultrasound at rest and after walking for 30-min in twenty-five adults (14 females, 22.6 ± 3.12 years, 168.12 ± 9.83 cm, 76.00 ± 15.47 kg) with chronic ankle instability. Cartilage was segmented into Total, Medial, and Lateral regions. During the 30-min walking period, plantar pressure of the entire foot was recorded every 5-min and condensed to create a biomechanical loading pattern and center of pressure gait line. Relationships between resting cartilage thickness and echo intensity, changes in thickness and echo intensity, and plantar pressure profiles were assessed with correlation coefficients. FindingsThere was a significant relationship between plantar pressure in the lateral forefoot and medial talar cartilage deformation (r = 0.408, p < .05). Early stance center of pressure was correlated with deformation in the total (r = 0.439–0.524) and lateral (r = 0.443–0.550) regions (p < .05). There were no significant correlations between echo intensity and biomechanics. InterpretationThis study contributes to the growing evidence that talar cartilage strain patterns are associated with biomechanics during walking. Further validation is needed to determine a causal relationship between biomechanics and ultrasound cartilage characteristics after ankle sprains. In addition, research should continue determining the utility of ultrasound to monitor joint health after musculoskeletal injuries.

Effect of Weight-bearing Pattern and Calcaneal Taping on Heel Width and Plantar Pressure in Standing

Purpose: This study examined the effects of the weight-bearing pattern and calcaneal taping on the heel width and plantar pressure in standing. Methods: Fifteen healthy subjects with normal feet participated in this study. The heel width was measured using a digital caliper, and a pedoscan was used to measure the plantar pressure of the rear foot while standing. The participants were instructed to stand in three weight-bearing patterns (anterior, middle, and posterior weight bearing) before and after calcaneal taping. The heel width and plantar pressure were measured three times before and three times after calcaneal taping, with the three weight-bearing patterns applied in random order. A 2 (non-taping vs. taping) × 3 (anterior, middle, posterior weight bearing) two-way repeated ANOVA with a Bonferroni post hoc correction was used to assess the differences in heel width and plantar pressure. Results: The results revealed a significant main effect of the weight-bearing pattern (p .05). Great er weight bearing applied to the heel resulted in a significantly increased heel width and planter pressure of the rear foot (p<.01). Conclusion: In standing, a posterior weight-bearing pattern increases the heel width due to side-to-side shifting of the plantar heel pad, which increases the heel plantar pressure. Therefore, to prevent high stress on the heel pad and plantar heel pain, it is important to re frain from posterior weight bearing while standing during the activities of daily living.

Long-Term Follow-Up on the Donor Foot After Thumb Reconstruction Using Big Toe Wrap-Around Flap in Two Different Operation Methods.

The function of the donor foot has been affected after using big toe wrap-around flap for thumb reconstruction. A modified operation method has been developed to reduce the adverse effect on the donor foot. The current study compared the long-term effect of the classic and the modified operation methods on the donor foot. Gait analysis was carried out, including how the patient walked, the walking speed and walking distance, and how the patient jumped and ran. Plantar pressure was measured while the patient was standing and moving. A total of 45 patients who received the 2 different operation methods were included. The follow-up time was 4-10years with a mean of 6.5years. Various degrees of complications occurred for the 21 patients who received the classic operation method. For these patients, plantar pressure of the donor foot was obviously different comparing with the healthy unaffected foot while the patient was standing or walking. For the 24 patients who received the modified operation method, no obvious complications were observed and the plantar pressure of the donor foot and the healthy unaffected foot was similar while the patient was standing or walking. In conclusion, both the classic and the modified operation methods have affected the function of the donor foot after using the big toe wrap-around flap for thumb reconstruction. However, the donor foot was less affected when the modified operation method was used.

발 강화 운동이 유연성 편평발이 동반된 엄지발가락가쪽휨증을 가진 젊은 성인에게 미치는 효과

본 연구는 발강화 훈련이 유연성 편평발이 동반된 엄지발가락가쪽휨증을 가진 젊은 성인의 엄지발가락가쪽 휨증을 향상하는지에 대하여 평가하였다. 대상자는 총 28명으로 발강화 훈련군(14명)과 대조군(14명)으로 무작위로 나누었다. 8주 훈련 동안 두 군 모두 I.D.W를 착용하였다. 실험군은 발강화 훈련을 8주 동안 주 3회 1회당 20분씩 발강화 훈련을 받았다. 발의 구조와 최대 압력은 엄지발가락 가 쪽 휨 각도, 발허리 뼈의 각도, 발배뼈 높이 변화, 엄지발가락 압력, 2~5번째 발가락 압력, 첫 번째 발 허리뼈 압력, 두 번째 발 허리뼈 압력, 세 번째 발 허리뼈 압력, 네 번째 발허리 뼈 압력, 다섯 번째 발허리 뼈 압력, 중간 발 압력, 안쪽 발뒤꿈치 압력, 바깥쪽 발뒤꿈치 압력에 의하여 평가되었다. 발강화 훈련을 한 군에서 엄지발가락 가 쪽 휨 각도, 1~2 발허리뼈의 각도, 엄지발가락 압력, 첫번째 발 허리뼈 압력, 두 번째 발 허리뼈 압력, 세 번째 발 허리뼈 압력, 중간 발에서 구조와 압력이 유의하게 향상되었다. 본 연구의 결과에서 발 강화 훈련은 유연성 편평발을 동반한 가쪽발가락휨증을 가진 환자에게 유용하고 적절한 훈련으로 제안할 수 있을 것이다. 【This study was to evaluate the effects of foot strengthening exercise to improve hallux valgus in young of hallux valgus with flexible flatfoot. Subjects 28 people were randomly divided by the foot strength group(n=14) and control group(n=14). In a period of 8 weeks, they put on I.D.W. Experimental group took foot strengthening exercise for 20 minutes 3 times a week during 8 weeks. Foot structure and max pressure were evaluated by hallux angle, 1~2 metatarsal angle, navicular height, 1st phalange, 2~5phalange, 1st metatarsal, 2nd metatarsal, 3rd metatarsal, 4th metatarsal, 5th metatarsal, mid foot, medial hind foot, lateral hind foot. There were significantly increased by exercise group in outcomes of the structural and plantar foot pressure from hallux angle, 1~2 metatarsal angle, 1st phalange, 1st metatarsal, 2nd metatarsal, 3rd metatarsal, mid foot. The result suggest that foot strengthening exercise is feasible and suitable for individuals with hallux valgus with flexible flatfoot.】

The influence of stride-length on plantar foot-pressures and joint moments

PurposeJoint moments have been acknowledged as key factors in understanding gait abnormalities. Gait velocity is further known to affect joint moments and foot pressures. Keeping gait velocity constant is thus a strategy to cancel out the influence of different preferred gait speed between groups. But even if gait velocity is controlled, individuals can choose different stride length–stride frequency combinations to cope with an imposed gait velocity. ScopeTo understand the influence of stride frequency–stride length on joint moments and plantar pressures. MethodsTwenty healthy young adults had to cross an 8m walkway with a walking speed of 1.3ms−1. The wooden walkway was equipped with a force and a pressure platform. While walking speed was kept constant each participant walked with five different imposed stride lengths (SL): preferred (SL0); with a decrease of 10% (SL−10); with a decrease of 20% (SL−20); with an increase of 10% (SL+10) and with an increase of 20% (SF+20). ResultsAnkle and knee joint moments significantly decreased with a decrease in SL. A significant (p<.05) lower peak pressure was achieved with a decreased SL under the heel, toes and midfoot. Discussion/conclusionThe results showed that a change in stride lengths alters both, joint moments and foot pressures with clinically interesting indications. Redistribution of joint moments in the elderly for example might rather result from decreased SL than from age.

Differences in Plantar Foot Pressure and COP between Flat and Normal Feet During Walking

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to compare the peak plantar foot pressure and the pathway of the center of pressure (COP) between normal and flat feet. [Subjects and Methods] Nineteen subjects (10 normal feet, 9 flat feet) participated in this study. Plantar foot pressure was recorded by the Matscan system (Tekscan, Boston, USA) while walking upright. Plantar foot surface was divided into seven regions for pressure measurement: two toe regions, three forefoot regions, one midfoot region, and one heel region. The independent t-test was used to compare plantar foot pressures between normal adults and patients with flat feet. The pathway of COP in normal and flat feet was observed macroscopically. [Results] The plantar foot pressures of the 4th-5th metatarsal head and heel regions in the flat feet group were less than those of the normal feet group. The pathway of COP of normal feet group had a tendency to shift medially in the forefoot but the pathway of COP in the flat feet group had a tendency to be straight in the forefoot. [Conclusion] The results indicate that the plantar foot pressure of a flat foot was lower than that of a normal foot and the pathway of COP of a flat foot may be different from that of a normal foot. We believe that reduction of the longitudinal arch of foot in flat feet explains these results.

보행 시 장애물 높이에 따른 정상 성인의 족저압 분포 연구

본 연구는 장애물을 넘는 동안 장애물의 높이 변화가 보행 시 족저압에 미치는 영향을 알아보기 위해 실시하였으며 이를 위해 족저 최고 족저압과 최대 힘, 압력 중심의 이동 경로를 중심으로 자료를 수집하여 분석하였다. 근골격계에 문제가 없는 열여섯 명의 건강한 젊은 성인이 이 연구에 참여하여 맨발로 각각 평지, 10cm, 20cm 그리고 30cm의 장애물을 넘는 동안 입각기 발의 족저 최고 족저압과 최대 힘, 압력중심 이동경로를 측정하였다. 측정은 Tekscan사의 Footmat system을 이용하였으며, 대상자의 발을 일곱 개의 영역(두 개의 발가락 영역, 세 개의 전족부 영역, 한 개의 중족부와 후족부 영역)으로 나누어 수집한 자료를 일원배치분산분석을 이용하여 분석하였다. 본 연구를 통해 높이가 다른 여러 가지 장애물을 넘을 때, 입각기 동안 족저의 영역별 최고 족저압과 최대 힘은 발가락부위에서 유의하게 증가하는 것을 알 수 있었고 후족부위에서는 감소하였다. 그리고 장애물의 높이가 높아질수록 압력중심 이동경로가 짧아지면서 전족부에서 외전하는 경향을 볼 수 있었다. 따라서 본 연구에서는 장애물 보행 시 장애물의 높이가 발의 구조와 기능에 영향을 미친다는 것을 확인할 수 있었다. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of different obstacle heights on the plantar foot pressure during obstacle crossing. Sixteen healthy adults who had no musculoskeletal disorders were instructed to perform unobstructed level walking and to step over obstacles corto 10cm, 20cm, 30cm. Plantar foot forces and pressures were recorded by the Footmat system(Tekscan, Boston, USA) during level and obstacle walking with barefoot. Plantar foot surface was defined as seven regions for pressure measurement; two toe regions, three forefoot regions, one midfoot region, one heel region. One-way ANOVA was used to compare each region data of foot according to various heights. The results indicated that there are significant differences on peak pressure and maximal forces regarding each region at stance phase. As height of obstacle became high, the pathway of COP had a tendency to be short and abducted. Plantar pressure of foot could be changed by obstacle height and these findings demonstrated that obstacle with different height have an effect on structure and function of the foot.

Difference in plantar pressure between the preferred and non-preferred feet in four soccer-related movements

Objective and participants: The present study measured the difference in plantar pressure between the preferred and non-preferred foot in four soccer-related movements in 15 male university soccer players (mean (SD)...