Static measure of foot loading

Plantar pressure distribution during standing in women with end-stage hip osteoarthritis

BACKGROUND

Patients with hip osteoarthritis (OA) experience abnormal movement patterns and reduced loading of the affected leg. The plantar contacts the ground and receives force from the ground. Plantar pressure distribution may differ in patients with hip OA compared to healthy adults and may influence physical functioning in these patients.

RESEARCH QUESTION

We investigated whether plantar pressure distribution during standing differed between patients with hip OA and healthy adults. We also analyzed the relationship between plantar pressure distribution and walking ability and the factors affecting plantar pressure distribution.

METHODS

Maximum plantar pressure distribution during standing for 20 seconds was investigated in patients with hip OA (n = 62; OA group) and in healthy adults (n = 53; Control group). Statistical comparisons between these groups were made using Fisher's exact test and residual analysis. In the OA group, leg length discrepancy, range of hip extension, leg loading, knee extensor strength, and 10 m walking time were assessed; multiple linear regression and logistic regression analyses were used to examine the relationships between these factors and maximum plantar pressure distribution.

RESULTS

Maximum plantar pressure distribution was different between the OA and control groups. In the OA group, maximum plantar pressure distribution was one of the significant predictors of 10 m walking time. Additionally, leg length discrepancy was a significant predictor of maximum plantar pressure distribution in this group.

SIGNIFICANCE

During standing, the proportion of patients for whom the maximum plantar pressure region was the heel tended to be lower in the group with hip OA compared to the healthy adults. Plantar pressure distribution may have an importance for evaluating walking ability in patients with hip OA. Correcting leg length discrepancy and loading under the heel could adjust plantar pressure distribution in patients with hip OA.

The use of the Podotrack in forensic podiatry for collection and analysis of bare footprints using the Reel method of measurement

This small-scale study examined the role that bare footprint collection and measurement processes have on the Reel method of measurement in forensic podiatry and its use in the Criminal Justice System. Previous research indicated that the Reel method was a valid and reliable measurement system for bare footprint analysis but various collection systems have been used to collect footprint data and both manual and digital measurement processes were utilized in forensic podiatry and other disciplines. This study contributes to the debate about collecting bare footprints; the techniques employed to quantify various Reel measurements and considered whether there was asymmetry between feet and footprints of the same person. An inductive, quantitative paradigm used the Podotrack gathering procedure for footprint collection and the subsequent dynamic footprints subjected to Adobe Photoshop techniques of calculating the Reel linear variables. Statistical analyses using paired-sample t tests were conducted to test hypotheses and compare data sets. Standard error of mean (SEM) showed variation between feet and the findings provide support for the Reel study and measurement method.