Plantar pressure differences between obese and non-obese adults: a biomechanical analysis

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:To investigate plantar pressure differences between obese and non-obese adults during standing and walking protocols using a pressure distribution platform. SUBJECTS: Thirty-five males (age 42.4 AE 10.8 y; 67 -179 kg) and 35 females (age 40.0 AE 12.6 y; 46 -150 kg) divided into obese (body mass index (BMI) 38.75 AE 5.97 kg=m 2 ) and non-obese (BMI 24.28 AE 3.00 kg=m 2 ) sub-groups, respectively. MEASUREMENTS: Data collection was performed with a capacitive pressure distribution platform with a resolution of 2 sensors=cm 2 (Emed F01, Novel GmbH, München). The measurement protocol included half and full body weight standing on the left, right and both feet, respectively, and walking across the platform, striking with the right foot. Pressures were evaluated for eight anatomical sites under the feet. RESULTS: For both men and women, the mean pressure values of the obese were higher under all anatomical landmarks during half body weight standing. Significant increases in pressure were found under the heel, mid-foot and metatarsal heads II and IV for men and III and IV for women. Foot width during standing was also significantly increased in obese subjects. For walking, significantly higher peak pressures were also found in both obese males and females. CONCLUSION: Compared to a non-obese group, obese subjects showed increased forefoot width and higher plantar pressures during standing and walking. The greatest effect of body weight on higher peak pressures in the obese was found under the longitudinal arch of the foot and under the metatarsal heads. The higher pressures for obese women compared to obese men during static weight bearing (standing) may be the result of reduced strength of the ligaments of the foot.

Obese older adults suffer foot pain and foot-related functional limitation

“…This increased contact area, however, was not sufficient to compensate for the higher forces such that the peak plantar pressures were significantly elevated in the midfoot region of the obese and overweight participants. This finding is consistent with that which is typically displayed by overweight and obese children and adults during gait [10,13,18]. In addition to the elevated midfoot plantar pressures, obese participants in this cohort of older people displayed increased pressure under medial forefoot compared to their non-overweight counterparts.…”

“…Although there is some evidence to suggest being overweight or obese places adults at greater risk of developing foot complications such as osteoarthritis, tendonitis and plantar fasciitis [17], there is only limited research investigating the effects of obesity on the feet of adults [18,19]. No research has comprehensively examined the effects of overweight or obesity on the feet of older individuals (i.e >60 years).…”

Plantar pressure distribution analysis in normal weight young women and men with normal and claw feet: A cross-sectional study

“…Mono-or bi-lateral claw feet can be clinically silent or associated with different diseases and the condition is considered a specific risk factor for different pathologies of bones, joints, and muscles, such as the plantar fasciitis (see Warren et al, 1984Warren et al, , 1987. Using a baropodometer, the present study verifies the influence of bilateral claw foot on the plantar support surfaces and loads in normal weight subjects of both sexes, excluding overweight and obesity, which significantly modify the plantar support (Hills et al, 2001;Gravante et al, 2003).…”

Reducing weight increases postural stability in obese and morbid obese men

“…27 For instance, Birtane and Tuna 27 showed that, compared to control subjects, obese subjects with BMI between 30 and 34.9 kg/m 2 exhibited significantly higher forefoot peak pressure, total plantar force and total contact area in the feet for static tasks. In addition, during half body weight standing, Hills et al 28 reported significant increases in pressure under the heel, mid-foot and metatarsal heads II and IV for obese men. Glabrous cutaneous receptors in these areas do not display background activity when unloaded.…”