Does foot posture influence plantar pressure?

Abstract

This study compared plantar pressure distribution among asymptomatic individuals with pes rectus, pes cavus and pes planus feet during walking. Feet were divided into three groups based on the arch index (AI) values: Pes cavus (n=38); Pes rectus (n=72); Pes planus (n=62). Force time integral (FTI), maximal force (MF), peak pressure(PP), pressure-time integral (PTI), contact time (CT), contact area (CA), and maximum force normalised to body weight[MF(%BW)] were evaluated for each part of the foot and total foot during barefoot walking. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed. Peak pressure at the 5th metatarsophalangeal joints (MTPJs) in the pes planus foot group was lower compared to the pes rectus and pes cavus foot groups. The pes planus group displayed increased MF and CA in the middle foot while walking compared to the pes rectus and pes cavus groups(p<0.05). When compared to pes rectus and planus feet, cavus feet displayed higher pressure in the hind foot and lateral forefoot and lower PP, MF and CA in the midfoot (p<0.05). High and low arch structures display different plantar pressure characteristics that may be linked to lower extremity injuries. When designing a prophylactic exercise programme for asymptomatic individuals, foot types and associated pressure characteristics should be considered.