Implications of plantar static pressure distribution among bilateral flatfoot patients: An analytical case-control research

Abstract

Background: Adult pes planus is a highly prevalent condition characterized by the gradual or sudden appearance of fallen arches in adulthood, which is a recognized cause of difficulty with balance and stability, discomfort, pain, swelling, tired and achy feet and impairment. Accordingly, the main purpose of this analytical, case-control study was to evaluate the characteristics in foot morphology related to static plantar pressure distribution in adults with and without a bilateral condition. Methods: Sixty-eight subjects were recruited by a laboratory in this analytical case-control study, involving thirtyfour adults with a bilateral condition and thirty-four healthy controls. Static plantar pressure was measured in all participants using a specific portable pressure platform with multiple resistive sensors which was placed on the floor. Results: Static plantar pressure distribution in the cases group showed significant increases in the right and left surface areas, in the right heel surface area and also in the left foot mean peak pressure (p < 0.001), as well as in the left heel surface area (p = 0.003). Conclusions: Adults with bilateral flatfoot showed changes in the surface areas in both feet and recorded higher levels in static plantar pressures with respect to the control group, a feature which can be associated with this common bilateral condition.