Analysis on Characteristics of Plantar Pressures in Different Age Groups during Walking / 医用生物力学

ABSTRACT

Objective To obtain kinetic parameters of the plantar pressure in different age groups during normal walking, so as to provide theoretical references for designing insoles and sports shoes for different age groups, and maximally minimize the risk of foot injuries. Methods Footscan force plate was used to test the peak plantar force and pressure of 120 subjects in 4 different age groups (15 male and 15 female in 20-30, 30-40, 40-50, 50-60 age group, respectively). Results The peak plantar force constantly changed with age, showing a rising tendency, except that at the first phalanx area, the peak plantar force gradually decreased with age. For female subjects, the peak plantar pressure in the first phalanx area was gradually decreasing. Most subjects had significantly higher force on the 2nd and 4th bones than the 1st and 5th metatarsals. The 2nd metatarsal peak plantar force in male 50-60 age group was also significantly higher than that in male 20-50 age group (P<0.05). Only the peak plantar force of the 1st phalanx gradually decreased with age increasing, and the rest of the plantar region showed an increasing tendency. A significant change in the peak plantar pressure was observed, especially in the 2nd and 3rd metatarsals, which showed a rising tendency (P<0.05). Conclusions The plantar force and pressure on each part of human foot constantly changed with age. To find out the characteristics of plantar pressures in different age groups can help to design corresponding sports shoes and exert the functions of sports shoes in a better way.