PAPER 050: THE DYNAMIC PLANTAR PRESSURE PROFILES OF NORMAL CHILDREN

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to describe the pedobarographic (plantar pressure) profiles of normal children across all ages, with specific focus on young children (< 6 years) and explore age-related changes in foot pressure patterns.

Method: The Tekscan HR Mat^™ system and Research Foot Module were used in a protocol involving a dynamic test of 146 normal children (age range 1.6–14.9 yrs). Using previously described methods1, relative force and timing data were obtained across five foot segments (heel, lateral midfoot, medial midfoot, lateral forefoot, and medial forefoot). An exploratory approach using analysis of variance (ANOVA) techniques followed by Scheffe post-hoc tests were conducted to determine if there were any age-related differences in foot pressure profiles in children across a priori pedobarograph variables: % of stance at initiation at the heel; % of stance at initiation at the medial midfoot; maximum % force at the heel; and maximum % force at the medial midfoot.

Results: Differences in foot force and timing profiles were distinguished across three age groups: 1) Group 1: 5 years. Data shows that with increasing age, force at the heel increases (Group 1: 61.4, Group 2: 66.9, Group 3: 71.9; p-value=0.019). Data also shows that force at the medial midfoot decreases with increasing age (Group 1: 17.7, Group 2: 8.8, Group 3: 4.7; p-value=0.0). Younger children also demonstrate early initiation of force at the medial midfoot compared to older children (Group 1: 5.9, Group 2: 33.5, Group 3: 44.8; p-value=0.0). In children > 5 years, there are no changes in foot forces or timing of forces.

Conclusion: This is the first study to provide a comprehensive description of the pedobarographic profiles of a large sample of normal children across all ages, with specific focus on the young child. Quantifying foot pressure of children will have relevance to clinical decision making.