RESUMO
Hallux Valgus is one of the most common foot deformities which could change the foot bones' alignment and plantar pressure distribution. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of toe separator on plantar pressure redistribution in subjects with Hallux Valgus. This was a quasi-experimental study with IRCT code IRCT2013090314554N1.20 females with Hallux Valgus were recruited between students/staff of university of social welfare and rehabilitation sciences. The plantar pressure was measured by Pedar-X insole system. Tests were consisted of two walking trials: wearing standard shoe only and shoe with toe separator. The variables included peak pressure, force and contact area wear calculated for five regions in forefoot. Using toe separator, maximum pressure was significantly reduced in the big toe [199.7 +/- 45.9, 171.6 +/- 44.8] and first metatarsal [122.7 +/- 26.9, 111.1 +/- 35.1] and increased in 2-5th toes [69.9 +/- 15.3, 74.8 +/- 17.3]. Also the contact area was significantly reduced in 2-5th toes [15.5 +/- 2.2, 16.1 +/- 2.1].there was no significant value in any variable at second metatarsal. The result of this study showed that toe separator could change plantar pressure distribution in the big toe and first metatarsal head area. Furthermore it could change plantar pressure pattern in Hallux Valgus subject to the more normal pattern