Redistribution of foot pressure in healthy adults during sideslope walking.

Normal adult plantar pressures were measured during both level and sideslope walking. Sideslope pressures increased, depending on the relative position of the foot on the slope. With upslope placement, pressures increased significantly at the midfoot (approximately 20%) and fifth metatarsal (approximately 16%). With downslope placement, pressure increased predominantly beneath the first metatarsal (approximately 11%). Pressure changes were relatively small at the heel (approximately 3%) and central metatarsals (approximately 4%). Significant increases occurred on sideslopes as small as 2 degrees. Since gradients of this size are likely to be encountered commonly in outdoor daily activities, this finding may have substantial implications for individuals with peripheral neuropathy.