ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of obesity on dynamic plantar pressure distribution during walking for prepubescent children. A footscan(®) plantar pressure plate system was used to collect the gait data. Fifty obese prepubescent children and fifty non-obese prepubescent children walked across the plate at preferred speed while barefoot. SPSS11.5 was used for analysis and significance is defined as p<0.05. Obese subjects had longer midstance duration (p=0.004) and shorter propulsion duration (p=0.047) compared to non-obese subjects. The peak pressures under the metatarsal heads II-V, midfoot and heel lateral (p=0.004, p=0.03, p=0.004) were significantly higher for obese subjects. The time to peak pressures under the toes II-V, the metatarsal heads IV, V and midfoot (p=0.008, p=0.009, p=0.01, p=0.006), and pressure rate under the heel medial and lateral heel (p=0.03, p=0.009) were also significantly higher. In addition, the arch index for the left foot (p=0.01), the left and right foot axis angle (p=0.027, p=0.03) were significant larger among obese subjects. We also found that obese subjects had significantly higher relative regional impulses of contact with the plate at the midfoot of left foot (p=0.01) and the forefoot of right foot (p=0.047). There were also differences in foot balance during the midstance and propulsion phase (p=0.0004, p=0.03) and in pronation extent during midstance and propulsion phases between left and right foot in the obese group (p=0.03, p=0.01). In conclusion, the obese children have weaker walking stability with flatter foot pattern, the larger foot axis angle and dynamic plantar pressure distribution changes compared to non-obese children.
