Pedobarography: A Review on Methods and Practical Use in Foot Disorders

Abstract

Pedobarographic examination is a non-invasive method that enables the quantitative and qualitative evaluation of plantar pressure distribution, notably the plantar pressure distribution, referring to the function of the entire musculoskeletal system. This is a scoping review that aims to update knowledge on the practical use of pedobarography in foot disorders. We also attempted to systematize the methodological principles of conducting the pedobarographic examination. We searched Medline/PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews for the articles on the methodology of pedobarography. The search encompassed clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and reviews published in English between January 1982 and February 2021. The literature distinguishes three different types of examinations: static, postural, and dynamic. The rationale for each is presented. The review pointedly shows the unique use of pedobarography for the quantitative and qualitative evaluations of the plantar pressure distribution. It also points to the need for enhancing the awareness among medical professionals of the method and advantages it provides for patient management. Shortcomings of the method are discussed of which the difficulty in establishing the cause-and-effect relationship of foot disorders is the most disturbing as it limits the comparative verification of results of different studies. There also appears a need for developing standardized algorithmic protocols and recommendations to seamlessly perform pedobarography in clinical settings, which would help make wider use of this valuable tool.

Advancements in diabetic foot insoles: a comprehensive review of design, manufacturing, and performance evaluation

“…The experimental results are then compared with FE simulation results to evaluate the pressure-offloading performance of the insoles. In its early stages, the F-Scan system served as the primary pressure measurement system; however, it encountered issues of poor accuracy and repeatability ( Lorkowski et al, 2021 ). Subsequently, with advancements in science and technology, the Pedar system, renowned for its superior performance, has become widely adopted for pressure measurement ( Yamamoto et al, 2020 ).…”

“…Evaluating joint angles, muscle activity, and skeletal stress and strain is crucial for effective studies on diabetic foot, offering insights into foot motion, stability, muscle coordination, functionality, and predicting disease risks. (2) Personalization in Design: Designing diabetic foot insoles should prioritize personalization in future studies ( Lorkowski et al, 2021 ). While current research often bases designs on typical foot structures, the efficiency of insoles can be highly individualized due to differences in foot structure, arch type, or disease characteristics.…”

“…(2) Personalization in Design: Designing diabetic foot insoles should prioritize personalization in future studies ( Lorkowski et al, 2021 ). While current research often bases designs on typical foot structures, the efficiency of insoles can be highly individualized due to differences in foot structure, arch type, or disease characteristics.…”

The Design of a Smart Lower-Limb Prosthesis Supporting People with Transtibial Amputation—A Data Acquisition System

“…Plantar pressure measurement systems, including low-cost insole sensors, are trendy instruments used in diagnosing foot disorders [40] and for monitoring the rehabilitation process. We consider that the plantar pressure measurement can be used as an input for our active prosthesis control system.…”

Pedobarography — monitoring method of functional restoration of unstable ankle joint injuries

“…У циклі ходи навіть здорової людини проглядається елемент нестабільності, що виникає внаслідок перенесення маси тіла з однієї кінцівки на іншу зі зміщенням центру тиску. Проте конкордантні рухи (у суглобах, м'язах) стабілізують, утримують баланс тіла під час ходи, що запобігає падінню [17,18]. Больовий синдром і набряк кінцівки після адекватно виконаного оперативного втручання з часом призводять до виникнення гіпотрофії та обмеження рухів у суглобах.…”