Foot Pressure Distribution and Path of Center of Pressure (COP) of Foot during Ambulation in the Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To find out the characteristics of the foot pressure distribution and the path of center of pressure (COP) in the children with cerebral palsy, compared with normal control children. METHOD: Twenty-four children with spastic cerebral palsy(CP) and 38 normal children were participated in this study. The parameters of foot contact, plantar pressure and COP were measured using F-scan system (Teksan Inc.) with pressure ensitive insoles inserted in the shoes. RESULTS: The total contact area, mid foot contact width and also the pressure of hallux and medial side of mid foot were significantly higher in the children with CP than in normal controls. While the pressure of hind foot was significantly lower in the children with CP compared with normal controls. Anteroposterior distance and velocity of COP were significantly lowered in the cerebral palsied children. The paths of COP of both groups were directed inwardly without any significant differences between both groups. CONCLUSION: We can identify the characteristics of the foot pressure distribution and the path of COP in the children with spastic CP using F-scan system. These quantitative data of foot scan may be useful for evaluating the foot pathology during the gait in the children with CP.