Static analysis of plantar pressures and kinetic parameters in pes cavus versus normal feet: a case–control study

Abstract

Background: At least 10% of the population has cavus feet. This type of foot, characterized by a high medial arch, is usually accompanied by muscle imbalances, calluses, and pain in the hindfoot, lateral column, and forefoot. Early treatments are crucial for these patients, given that they could benefit from the modification of their static plantar pressure distribution to prevent osteoarthritis or pressure ulcers. Baropodometry has been shown to serve as an efficient and cost-effective instrument for evaluating foot features related to ground loads and reactive forces. The primary aim of the current investigation was to assess and analyze subjects with pes cavus and compare the results with patients with normal feet using a pressure platform.Methods: A total of 82 participants were involved in the research, split into 41 individuals with cavus feet and 41 with normal-arch feet. The descriptive observational case–control study took place from October to December 2024 at the A Coruña University, located in Spain. The Neo-Plate® baropodometric platform was used to observe static plantar pressures. Three 30-s recordings were needed per individual. The results were analyzed using the IBM SPSS Statistics Software v.19.0 and compared using Student’s t-test and Mann–Whitney U test.Results: The outcomes indicated that the pes cavus group had less total contact surface area while the weight was focused on the forefoot and hindfoot, the left foot surface area was 150.31 cm2 ± 22.95 (145.36–155.27) in the case group and 161.71 cm2 ± 14.88 (156.96–166.45) in the control group, with a P = < 0.001, and the case group had higher mean maximum pressure of the right foot (141.25 ± 17.65 kPa) than the control group (135.08 ± 8.67 kPa, P = 0.001).Conclusion: Baropodometric platforms are a reliable tool for studying and interpreting static plantar pressures in subjects with pes cavus. Subjects with cavus feet have a different load distribution than subjects with normal feet, with greater weight-bearing areas in the hindfoot and forefoot, along with less total contact support. Limitations include sex imbalance and type of footwear used in sports practice.