Comparison of Dynamic Peak Plantar Pressure and Hindfoot Contact Time in Diabetic Patients and Healthy Adults

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To investigate and describe the peak plantar pressures and ground contact times of the foot during walking in diabetic patients and healthy adults. METHOD: 17 age-matched diabetic patients without any complications and 33 healthy adults participated in this study. The foot was divided into 10 different areas, and peak plantar pressures and ground contact times were measured during walking by EMED system . RESULTS: There were no significant differences in peak plantar pressures of both feet in both groups, but there were significant increases in peak plantar pressures of hindfoot and hindfoot contact times in the diabetic group. CONCLUSION: Despite having no definite diabetic neuropathy and vascular disease, diabetic patients have higher peak plantar pressures of hindfoot and prolonged hindfoot contact times because limb muscle dysfunction or impairment of proprioception may induce faster descent of the foot towards the ground or improper pattern of stance phases.