Gender and age impact on plantar pressure distribution in early adolescence

Abstract

Objective The aim of the study was to investigate gender and age effect on dynamic plantar pressure distribution in early adolescence. Methods A total of 524 adolescents (211 women and 313 men; mean age: 12.58 ± 1.11 years (range: 11–14 years)) participated in pedobarographic measurements during gait at self-selected speed. Data of peak pressure (PP), maximum force (MaxF-Newton), body weight corrected maximum force (BW_MaxF), contact area (CA-cm 2 ) were analyzed for total foot and four plantar regions (hindfoot, midfoot, forefoot and toes). Results Higher toes PP was found in the ages of 12–14 years in females compared to males (253.79 ± 104.93 vs 216.00 ± 81.12 for the age of 12, p = 0.011, 264.40 ± 65.02 vs 227.21 ± 83.4 for the age of 13, p = 0.044, 299.75 ± 140.60 vs 238.75 ± 103.32 for the age of 14, p = 0.005). Females' higher MaxF especially for toes (136.24 ± 48.54 vs 115.33 ± 46.03, p = 0.008) and smaller CA especially for forefoot (50.12 ± 5.79 vs 54.4893 ± 6.80, p = 0.001) were considerable in the late of early adolescence. Forefoot (305.66 ± 82.14 females p = 0.001, 281.35 ± 79.59 males p < 0.001) and total foot PP (374.08 ± 113.93 females, p = 0.035, 338.61 ± 85.85 males p = 0.009) at the age of 14 was significantly higher than in younger ages in both gender groups. Conclusion The results indicate that especially the age of 14 years in early adolescence is a critical age for alteration in plantar pressure distribution. Interestingly females tended to increase their toe and forefoot plantar pressures compared to males by increasing age. We suggest that gender and age impact on toes plantar pressure alterations in early adolescence may be a possible risk factor for further foot impairments. Level of Evidence Level III, Diagnostic Study.

Plantar pressure sensors indicate women to have a significantly higher peak pressure on the hallux, toes, forefoot, and medial of the foot compared to men

“…Some reports indicated that there was no signi cant difference between men and women [9,10], and some reports indicated that men have higher peak pressure in the medial toe and all forefoot areas than women [12]. On the other hand, higher toe peak pressure was identi ed more often in women than in men during early adolescence [11]. It is also reported that the peak pressure shifts from the hind foot to the forefoot depending on the age [13].…”

“…On the other hand, in some investigations, there was a signi cant difference in the peak pressure between men and women. Demirbuken et al reported that higher toe peak pressure was identi ed more often in women than in men during early adolescence [11]. Chung et al indicated that men had higher peak pressure in the medial toe and all forefoot areas than women [12].…”

Plantar pressure sensors indicate females to have a significantly higher peak pressure on the hallux, toes, forefoot, and inside of the foot compared to males

“…Putti et al measured plantar pressure using an inshoe foot pressure measurement and reported no peak pressure differences between females and males [9]. Demirbuken et al measured plantar pressure using the same system and detected higher toe peak pressure in females compared to males and an age-dependent increase of plantar pressure at the female toes and forefoot [10].…”

“…However, the effect of gender on plantar pressure during activities remains undetermined. Putti et al did not find any gender-based differences in plantar pressure while walking eight steps on the same walkway [9]; however, higher toe peak pressure was identified more often in females than in males during early adolescence [10]. To examine the effect of gender difference on plantar pressure, testing activities should be performed in positions as natural as possible, without any obstruction from the measurement.…”

Image processing based foot plantar pressure distribution analysis and modeling

“…Thus, foot problems must be diagnosed as early as possible to prevent injuries. Plantar pressure distribution may vary between men and women due to differences in plantar loadings [21,22]. Foot ulceration is the main consideration for patients with diabetes since this may occur when there is excessive foot plantar pressures in a particular area of the foot [23][24][25][26].…”