Effect of revised high-heeled shoes on foot pressure and static balance during standing

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of revised high-heeled shoes on the foot pressure ratio and static balance during standing. [Subjects and Methods] A single-subject design was used, 15 healthy women wearing revised high-heeled shoes and general high-heeled shoes in a random order. The foot pressure ratio and static balance scores during standing were measured using a SpaceBalance 3D system. [Results] Forefoot and rearfoot pressures were significantly different between the 2 types of high-heeled shoes. Under the 3 conditions tested, the static balance score was higher for the revised high-heeled shoes than for the general high-heeled shoes, but this difference was not statistically significant. [Conclusion] Revised high-heeled shoes are preferable to general high-heeled shoes, as they result in normalization of normalized foot pressure and a positive effect on static balance.Key words: Revised high-heeled shoes, Foot pressure, Static balance     

Plantar pressures in individuals with normal and pronated feet according to static squat depths

[Purpose] The purpose of the present study was to investigate differences in plantar pressure between individuals with normal and pronated feet according to 3 static squat depths. [Subjects and Methods] Study subjects were 10 young adults with normal and pronated feet. Plantar pressures were measured in the standing position and static squat positions at 45° (semi-squat) and 90° (half-squat) knee flexion using the F-Mat. Subjects’ plantar pressures were analyzed by dividing the foot into 4 areas: forefoot medial, forefoot lateral, midfoot, and heel. [Results] In the half-squat position, the pronated foot group showed a higher foot pressure in the forefoot medial than was seen in the normal group, whereas the normal group exhibited a higher foot pressure in the heel than was seen in the pronated foot group. [Conclusion] An increase in squat depth led to the transfer of plantar pressure to the heel in normal feet and to the forefoot medial in pronated feet.Key words: Plantar pressure, Pronated feet, Squat     

Region-specific foot pain and plantar pressure in people with rheumatoid arthritis: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundIt is unclear whether region-specific foot pain may influence plantar pressure in people with established rheumatoid arthritis. The aim was to determine the association between region-specific foot pain and region-specific plantar pressure.MethodsTwenty-one people with rheumatoid arthritis and 19 age- and sex-matched controls participated in this study. Self-reported foot pain in the toes, forefoot, midfoot and rearfoot was assessed using foot diagrams. Peak pressure and pressure time integrals for the toes, forefoot, midfoot and rearfoot were calculated using a pressure mat system. Differences in foot pain and pressure between the groups were calculated using appropriate regression models. To determine associations between region-specific pain and pressure, linear regression models were used while adjusting for body mass and participant group.Findings.Participants with rheumatoid arthritis were primarily elderly female with long disease duration. Compared to controls, participants with rheumatoid arthritis had higher odds of foot pain at the toes (Odds Ratio (OR) = 10.4, P = 0.001), forefoot (OR = 6.3, P = 0.006) and rearfoot (OR = 10.1, P = 0.011). Participants with RA had higher peak pressure at the rearfoot (P = 0.003) and higher pressure time integrals at the forefoot (P = 0.005), midfoot (P = 0.016) and rearfoot (P < 0.001). After adjusting for body mass and participant group, peak pressure was significantly higher at the toes in those with midfoot pain and rearfoot pain.InterpretationPeople with rheumatoid arthritis experience region-wide foot pain and demonstrate differences in pressure distribution compared to people without rheumatoid arthritis. Foot pain at the midfoot and rearfoot is also associated with increases in plantar pressure at the toes.     

Use of computerized insole sensor system to evaluate the efficacy of a modified ankle-foot orthosis for redistributing heel pressures

OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of orthosis purported to decrease pressure on the heel while walking. DESIGN: The Multipodus System is an orthotic device, designed for this purpose, that can be worn with flat or rocker bottom boot. Ten subjects underwent four trials: first, an initial walk wearing their usual shoes, then using the orthosis on the left, with a flat bottom boot, then with a rocker bottom boot, and a final walk. Pressures exerted on the plantar surface of the hindfoot, midfoot, and forefoot were measured electronically and analyzed. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Ten consecutive normal subjects were tested on a conventional tile floor in a gait laboratory. RESULTS: Peak pressures in the initial walk averaged: heel, 9.6 +/- 2.3psi; midfoot, 2.6 +/- 1.7psi; and forefoot, 10.3 +/- 2.6psi. Pressures on the foot were redistributed significantly when the orthosis was used. Heel pressure was reduced significantly compared to the ordinary shoes using both the flat bottom boot (5.0 +/- 1.2psi, a decrease of 48% [p = .0001]) and the rocker bottom boot (4.5 +/- 1.5psi, a decrease of 53% [p = .0001]). Pressure was increased at the midfoot with both the flat bottom boot (6.6 +/- 3.2psi, an increase of 61% [p = .0001]) and the rocker bottom boot (6.8 +/- 2.9psi, an increase of 62% [p = .0001]). Pressures at the forefoot decreased 19% (8.3psi) with the flat bottom boot and 32% (7.0psi; p = .0003) with the rocker bottom boot. CONCLUSIONS: Redistribution of pressure on the foot with orthosis is characterized by reduction at the hindfoot and forefoot and increase at the midfoot with both the flat and rocker bottom boots, thereby promoting healing of calcaneal and forefoot ulcers. The integrity of the midfoot, however, must not be compromised.     

Relationship between plantar pressure distribution under the foot and insole comfort

In this paper, four pairs of insoles with different comfort characteristics were used to investigate the relationship between the pressure distribution under the foot and running shoe comfort. Fourteen male subjects were tested in four insole conditions by walking and running on a treadmill. The pressure at the plantar surface of the foot was measured by using an EMED pressure-measuring insole. For walking there were significantly higher pressures and forces in the midfoot area and significantly lower pressures in the medial forefoot and hallux area by wearing the most comfortable insole compared with wearing the least comfortable insole. The shift of the pressure from forefoot to midfoot for the most comfortable insole provided an even distribution of the pressure at the plantar surface of the foot. The results also demonstrated that the path of centre of force at the plantar surface of the foot moved to the lateral aspect of the foot for the most comfortable insole. For running, only the pressure in the medial forefoot area was found significantly lower for the most comfortable insole than for the least comfortable insole. The results of this study indicated that the pressure distribution between the plantar surface of the foot and the shoe could detect the change of shoe comfort. Thus it is a suggestion that pressure measurement may be related to understand factors important for shoe comfort.

Comfort of sport shoes is important for the appropriate execution of sport activities. Additionally, comfort may influence fatigue and possibly the development of injuries. The quantification of comfort of sport shoes and the understanding of mechanical and/or biological functions related to it may be enhanced with the use of pressure measurements between the plantar surface of the foot and the shoe sole.     

The influence of revised high-heeled shoes on foot pressure and center of pressure during standing in young women

[Purpose] Revised high-heeled shoes were developed to minimize foot deformities by reducing excessive load on the forefoot during walking or standing in adult females, who frequently wear standard high-heeled shoes. Specifically, this study aimed to investigate the effects of revised high-heeled shoes on foot pressure distribution and center of pressure distance during standing in adult females. [Subjects and Methods] Twelve healthy adult females were recruited to participate in this study. Foot pressures were obtained under 3 conditions: barefoot, in revised high-heeled shoes, and in standard 7-cm high-heeled shoes. Foot pressure was measured using the Tekscan HR mat scan system. One-way repeated analysis of variance was used to compare the foot pressure distribution and center of pressure distance under these 3 conditions. [Results] The center of pressure distance between the two lower limbs and the fore-rear distribution of foot pressure were significantly different for the 3 conditions. [Conclusion] Our findings support the premise that wearing revised high-heeled shoes seems to provide enhanced physiologic standing posture compared to wearing standard high-heeled shoes.Key words: Revised high-heeled shoes, Centre of pressure, Standing     

The forefoot-to-rearfoot plantar pressure ratio is increased in severe diabetic neuropathy and can predict foot ulceration

OBJECTIVE: We have previously demonstrated that high plantar pressures can predict foot ulceration in diabetic patients. The aim of the present study was to evaluate both the relationship between forefoot and rearfoot plantar pressure in diabetic patients with different degrees of peripheral neuropathy and their role in ulcer development. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Diabetic patients of a 30-month prospective study were classified according to the neuropathy disability score: scores of 0, 1-5, 6-16, and 17-28 are defined as absent (n = 20), mild (n = 66), moderate (n = 95), and severe (n = 57) neuropathy, respectively. The F-Scan mat system was used to measure dynamic plantar pressures. The peak pressures under the forefoot and the rearfoot were selectively measured for each foot, and the forefoot-to-rearfoot ratio (F/R ratio) was calculated. RESULTS: Foot ulcers developed in 73 (19%) feet. The peak pressures were increased in the forefoot of the severe and moderate neuropathic groups compared with the mild neuropathic and non-neuropathic groups (6.2 +/- 4.5 and 3.8 +/- 2.7 vs. 3.0 +/- 2.1 and 3.3 +/- 2.1 kg/cm(2) [mean +/- SD], respectively; P < 0.0001). The rearfoot pressures were also higher in the severe and moderate neuropathic groups compared with the mild neuropathic and non-neuropathic groups (3.2 +/- 2.0 and 3.2 +/- 1.9 vs. 2.5 +/- 1.3 and 2.3 +/- 1.0, respectively; P < 0.0001). The F/R ratio was increased only in the severe group compared with the moderate and mild neuropathic and non-neuropathic groups (2.3 +/- 2.4 vs. 1.5 +/- 1.2, 1.3 +/- 0.9, and 1.6 +/- 1.0, respectively; P < 0.0001). In a logistic regression analysis, both forefoot pressure (odds ratio 1.19 [95% CI 1.11-1.28], P < 0.0001) and the F/R ratio (1.37 [1.16-1.61], P < 0.0001) were related to risk of foot ulceration, whereas rearfoot pressure was not. CONCLUSIONS: Both the rearfoot and forefoot pressures are increased in the diabetic neuropathic foot, whereas the F/R ratio is increased only in severe diabetic neuropathy, indicating an imbalance in pressure distribution with increasing degrees of neuropathy. This may lend further evidence toward the concept that equinus develops in the latest stages of peripheral neuropathy and may play an important role in the etiology of diabetic foot ulceration.     

Kinematic Analysis of the Lower Extremities of Subjects with Flat Feet at Different Gait Speeds

[Purpose] This study determined the difference between flat feet and normal feet of humans at different gait velocities using electromyography (EMG) and foot pressure analysis. [Subjects] This study was conducted on 30 adults having normal feet (N = 15) and flat feet (N = 15), all of whom were 21 to 30 years old and had no neurological history or gait problems. [Methods] A treadmill (AC5000M, SCIFIT, UK) was used to analyze kinematic features during gait. These features were analyzed at slow, normal, and fast gait velocities. A surface electromyogram (TeleMyo 2400T, Noraxon Co., USA) and a foot pressure analyzer (FSA, Vista Medical, Canada) were used to measure muscle activity changes and foot pressure, respectively. [Results] The activities of most muscles of the flat feet, except that of the rectus femoris, were significantly different from the muscle activities of the normal feet at different gait velocities. For example, there was a significant difference in the vastus medialis and abductor hallucis muscle. Likewise, flat feet and normal feet showed significant differences in pressures on the forefoot, midfoot, and medial area of the hindfoot at different gait velocities. Finally, comparison showed there were significant differences in pressures on the 2nd–3rd metatarsal area. [Conclusion] Because muscle activation has a tendency to increase with an increase in gait velocity, we hypothesized that the lower extremity with a flat foot requires more work to move due to the lack of a medial longitudinal arch, and consequently pressure was focused on the 2nd–3rd metatarsal area during the stance phase.Key words: Flat foot, Electromyography, Foot pressure     

Changes in foot and lower limb coupling due to systematic variations in step width

BACKGROUND: Motion at the midfoot joints can contribute significantly to overall foot motion during gait. However, there is little information regarding the kinematic coupling relationship at the midfoot. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether the coupling relationship at the midfoot and subtalar joints was affected when step width was manipulated during running. METHODS: Twelve subjects ran over-ground at self-selected speeds using three different step widths (normal, wide, cross-over). Coupling at the midfoot (forefoot relative to rearfoot) and subtalar (rearfoot relative to shank) joints was assessed using cross-correlation techniques. FINDINGS: Rearfoot kinematics were significantly different from normal running in cross-over running (P<0.05) but not in wide running. However, coupling between rearfoot eversion/inversion and shank rotation was consistently high (r>0.917), regardless of step width. This was also the case for coupling between rearfoot frontal plane motion and forefoot sagittal plane (r<-0.852) and forefoot transverse plane (r>0.946) motion. There was little evidence of coupling between rearfoot frontal plane motion and forefoot frontal plane motion in any of the conditions. INTERPRETATION: Forefoot frontal plane motion appeared to have little effect on rearfoot frontal plane motion and thus, had no effect on motion at the subtalar joint. The strong coupling of forefoot sagittal and transverse plane motions with rearfoot frontal plane motion suggests that forefoot motion exerts an important influence on subtalar joint kinematics.     

平地自然行走护士的步态特征和足底压力分布

背景：繁忙的工作和快速行走的严格要求势必造成护士足部压力增高,甚至引起足部疾病。目的：分析护士平地自然行走下的步态特征和足底压力分布。方法：采用比利时RSscan INTERNATIONAL公司生产的足底压力分布测试系统对73名护士进行动态足底压力测试。结果与结论：护士步态分析中足底压强、冲量、支撑时间数据分析一致：在自然步态下,护士足部最大压强部位在第2、3跖骨区;足部最大冲量部位在前足;支撑期时间所占比例最大的是前足离地阶段;加上护士步速较快,足底压力相应增高,前足压力也随其增大。提示护士前足压力较高,易疲劳而发生运动损伤。因此,护士要科学的选择护士鞋或鞋垫,调整足底压力分布和足底冲量,加强对前足、特别是前足第2～3跖骨区的保护,尽可能避免足部疲劳和损伤的发生。     

"Pressure gradient" as an indicator of plantar skin injury

OBJECTIVE: Peak plantar pressures (PPPs) have been studied extensively as a contributing factor to skin breakdown, especially in the forefoot where most plantar neuropathic ulcers occur. The purposes of this article were to 1) describe an additional pressure variable, the peak pressure gradient (PPG), 2) determine whether the PPG is higher in the forefoot than in the rearfoot (even when compared with PPP), and 3) determine the correlation between the PPG and PPP at the forefoot and rearfoot in subjects with diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, and a history of plantar ulcer. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Twenty subjects (12 male and 8 female) with diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, and a mean +/- SD age of 57 +/- 9 years participated. Plantar pressures were collected during walking in footwear. The PPP and the PPG (defined as the spatial change in plantar pressure across adjacent sites of the foot surface around the PPP) were determined for the forefoot and rearfoot, and the forefoot-to-rearfoot ratios for each variable were calculated. RESULTS: The mean PPG was 143% higher in the forefoot than in the rearfoot, whereas the mean PPP was only 36% higher in the forefoot than in the rearfoot (P < 0.0001). The PPG forefoot-to-rearfoot ratio (2.84 +/- 1.36) was nearly two times greater than the PPP forefoot-to-rearfoot ratio (1.48 +/- 0.58) (P < 0.0001). The correlation between PPP and PPG was r = 0.59 at the forefoot and r = 0.75 at the rearfoot. CONCLUSIONS: The PPG was substantially higher in the forefoot than in the rearfoot even when compared with the PPP. The PPG appears to be providing additional information about the stresses experienced by the soft tissues of the foot, especially in the forefoot. The PPG may be a useful indicator of skin trauma because spatial changes in high plantar pressures may identify high stress concentrations within the soft tissue.     

Relationship of foot deformity to ulcer location in patients with diabetes mellitus

The purpose of this study was to determine whether a relationship existed between type of foot deformity and the location of ulcers in patients with diabetes and insensitive feet. Forty-two ulcerated feet were examined in 40 patients. All patients had severely decreased or absent sensation. Foot deformities were classified according to operational definitions as 1) Charcot's foot, 2) a compensated forefoot varus, or 3) an uncompensated forefoot varus or forefoot valgus. The plantar surface of the midfoot and forefoot was divided into three regions. Six of the 7 patients with a Charcot's foot showed ulceration at the midfoot. Nine of 18 patients with a compensated forefoot varus showed ulceration at the second, third, or fourth metatarsal head. Fifteen of 17 patients with an uncompensated forefoot varus or forefoot valgus showed ulceration at the first or fifth metatarsal. A significant relationship was found between foot deformity and location of ulcer. These results support the hypotheses 1) that insensitivity, coupled with increased, repetitive pressure, is a primary cause of plantar ulcers and 2) that certain foot types are associated with characteristic patterns of pressure distribution and callus formation.     

The characteristics and clinical significance of plantar pressure distribution in patients with diabetic toe deformity: a dynamic plantar pressure analysis

This study evaluated plantar pressure distribution and its clinical significance in patients with diabetic foot toe deformities. Patients with diabetic claw or hammer toe deformities (patient group; n = 30) and healthy subjects without toe deformities (control group; n = 30) were recruited into the study. Plantar pressures in different regions of the foot were measured using the F-scan(?) in-shoe plantar pressure dynamic analysis system. Peak pressures in the hallux and first to fifth metatarsal heads were significantly higher in the patient group compared with the control group. In the midfoot there was no significant difference between the two groups. Hindfoot peak plantar pressures were significantly lower in the patient group compared with the control group. The results indicated that toe deformities in patients with diabetes increased forefoot plantar pressures to abnormally high levels. If plantar pressure is regularly monitored in patients with diabetic foot, toe deformities might be detected earlier and ulceration prevented.     

Changes in foot and shank coupling due to alterations in foot strike pattern during running

BACKGROUND: Determining if and how the kinematic relationship between adjacent body segments changes when an individual's gait pattern is experimentally manipulated can yield insight into the robustness of the kinematic coupling across the associated joint(s). The aim of this study was to assess the effects on the kinematic coupling between the forefoot, rearfoot and shank during ground contact of running with alteration in foot strike pattern. METHODS: Twelve subjects ran over-ground using three different foot strike patterns (heel strike, forefoot strike, toe running). Kinematic data were collected of the forefoot, rearfoot and shank, which were modelled as rigid segments. Coupling at the ankle-complex and midfoot joints was assessed using cross-correlation and vector coding techniques. FINDINGS: In general good coupling was found between rearfoot frontal plane motion and transverse plane shank rotation regardless of foot strike pattern. Forefoot motion was also strongly coupled with rearfoot frontal plane motion. Subtle differences were noted in the amount of rearfoot eversion transferred into shank internal rotation in the first 10-15% of stance during heel strike running compared to forefoot and toe running, and this was accompanied by small alterations in forefoot kinematics. INTERPRETATION: These findings indicate that during ground contact in running there is strong coupling between the rearfoot and shank via the action of the joints in the ankle-complex. In addition, there was good coupling of both sagittal and transverse plane forefoot with rearfoot frontal plane motion via the action of the midfoot joints.     

Relationships between clinical measures of static foot posture and plantar pressure during static standing and walking

Background

Information is limited about the relationships between clinical measures of static foot posture and peak plantar pressures under the medial column of the foot. The purpose was to examine these relationships during static standing and walking.

Methods

A single-group exploratory design using correlation and regression was used to determine relationships. Ninety-two healthy volunteers participated. Clinical measures of static foot posture including arch index, navicular drop and navicular drift were obtained during static standing. Peak plantar pressures under the hallux, medial forefoot, medial midfoot, and medial rearfoot were obtained during standing and walking.

Findings

Static foot posture was related to peak plantar pressures during standing and walking, but the strengths of relationships ranged from poor to fair. During standing, navicular drop was correlated (P ≤ 0.05) with hallux (r = 0.29) and medial forefoot (r = − 0.17) pressures, while arch index (r = − 0.17) and navicular drift (r = 0.25) were correlated (P ≤ 0.05) with hallux pressure. During walking, arch index, navicular drop and navicular drift were correlated (P ≤ 0.05) with hallux and medial forefoot pressures (r range − 0.30 to 0.41), while arch index (r = − 0.15) and navicular drop (r = 0.16) were correlated (P ≤ 0.05) with medial midfoot pressure. Regression models predicted (P ≤ 0.05) hallux (R² = 0.08) and medial midfoot (R² = 0.05) pressures during standing, and hallux (R² = 0.18), medial forefoot (R² = 0.07), and medial rearfoot (R² = 0.05) pressures during walking.

Interpretation

In healthy participants, lower arch foot postures are associated with greater pressures under the hallux and medial mid-foot and lower pressures under the medial forefoot, but the strength of these relationships may be only poor to fair.     

Foot–Ground Interaction during Standing in Individuals with Down Syndrome: a Longitudinal Retrospective Study

In individuals with Down syndrome (DS) hypotonia and ligament laxity are characteristic features, which contribute to a number of orthopaedic issues, such as flat foot. The aim of this study was to quantify foot abnormalities in individuals with DS while standing, in terms of foot-ground interaction parameters (i.e. contact areas and plantar pressure distribution), from childhood to adulthood. Thirteen participants with DS were assessed using pedobarography in a time range of 17 years, from childhood to adulthood, and compared with healthy participants. Individuals with DS exhibited increases in all the sub-regions between childhood and adolescence, with significant reductions at an adult age. As for contact pressures, in healthy individuals changes in adolescence and adulthood were detected for all regions; in individuals with DS, significant increases in forefoot and rearfoot were observed only at adulthood. The pressures were systematically higher in healthy controls at all ages in rearfoot and in adolescence at forefoot, while individuals with DS exhibited higher pressure values in midfoot at childhood and adolescence. As one of the primary causes of flatfoot in DS is the presence of hypotonia and ligamentous laxity, which seem to persist especially in teens, it appears important to plan, starting from childhood, a specific rehabilitative program.     

The effect of pes cavus on foot pain and plantar pressure

BACKGROUND: Clinical management of patients with painful pes cavus is challenging because the mechanism of foot pain is poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to explore the influence of various pes cavus aetiologies on foot pain and plantar pressure characteristics, and to identify the relationship between foot pain and plantar pressure. METHODS: Seventy subjects were recruited for this study. They included 30 subjects with pes cavus of unknown aetiology (idiopathic), 10 subjects with pes cavus of neurological aetiology (neurogenic) and 30 subjects with a normal foot type. The presence and location of foot pain was recorded and barefoot plantar pressures were measured using the EMED-SF platform for the whole foot, rearfoot, midfoot and forefoot regions. FINDINGS: Subjects with pes cavus of either idiopathic or neurogenic aetiology reported a higher proportion of foot pain (60%) compared to subjects with a normal foot type (23%) (P=0.009). Pressure-time integrals under the whole foot, rearfoot and forefoot regions in pes cavus, of both idiopathic and neurogenic origin, were higher than in the normal foot type (P<0.01). Pressure-time integrals in subjects reporting foot pain were higher than for pain free subjects (P<0.001). There was a significant correlation between pressure-time integral and foot pain (r=0.49, P<0.001). INTERPRETATION: Foot pain is a common finding among individuals with pes cavus. Regardless of aetiology, pes cavus is characterized by abnormally high pressure-time integrals which are significantly related to foot pain. An understanding of the relationship between pes cavus pressure patterns and foot pain will improve the clinical management of these patients.