The effects of gait speed on plantar pressure variables in individuals with normal foot posture and flatfoot

Abstract

Purpose: It is not known how gait speed affects plantar pressure characteristics in flatfoot. The aim of this work was to investigate the effects of gait speed on plantar pressure variables in flatfoot by comparing it to normal foot posture. Methods: Thirty individuals with flatfoot and 30 individuals with normal foot posture were recruited. Plantar pressure variables were obtained by a pressure-sensitive mat at self-selected slow, normal, and fast speeds. All assessments were performed on the dominant foot, and three satisfactory steps were obtained for each gait speed condition. The order of gait speeds was randomized. Results: In the flatfoot group, the contact area was higher in the midfoot, third metatarsal, and hallux at all speeds, also in the second metatarsal at slow and normal speeds than the normal foot posture group (p < 0.05). The maximum force was higher in the midfoot and hallux at all speeds in the flatfoot group (p < 0.05). Also, the maximum force was lower in the first metatarsal at normal and fast speeds, and in the lateral heel at fast speed (p < 0.05). In the flatfoot group, the peak pressure was found to be higher in the hallux at slow speed, but to be lower in the first metatarsal at fast speed (p < 0.05). Further, plantar pressure distribution was affected by gait speed in both feet. Conclusions: Analysis of plantar pressure variables should be performed at different gait speeds.

Design and Preliminary Validation of Individual Customized Insole for Adults with Flexible Flatfeet Based on the Plantar Pressure Redistribution

“…The current study also found that, with the increase in gait speed, the peak pressure of each area of the sole had a corresponding increase, except for the MF area. Changes in these areas were consistent with the results of previous study, the plantar pressure distribution of sarapus was affected by gait speed, and the analysis of plantar pressure was different under asynchronous speed [33]. However, during the walking process of the individual with flexible flatfoot in the experiment wearing different insoles, the peak pressure in the MF area was relatively stable at slow, normal, and fast gait speed.…”

Impact of foot progression angle on spatiotemporal and plantar loading pattern in intoeing children during gait

“…Plantar impulse represents the cumulative effect of force over a given time period while walking. Typically, as gait speed increases, the peak plantar pressure and force in different regions of the foot also increase 24 . However, due to the the shortening of the stance phase with higher gait speed, the plantar impulse may behave differently.…”