Preliminary normative values for foot loading parameters of the developing child.

The purpose of the present study was to provide normative data for foot loading patterns and foot shape parameters in order to support decisions about the normal or abnormal development of the growing foot during childhood. In a longitudinal design, 90 healthy German children were followed over the course of 6-48 months. The children had a mean age of 15 months at the first appointment and 63 months at the last appointment. The children participated in 11 measurement appointments every 3 months or 6 months. Dynamic foot loading was evaluated with plantar pressure measurements during walking and static footprints were taken to determine changes in foot shape. During the investigation period a significant increase of peak pressure in almost every foot region was observed. Peak pressure of the total foot increased by 92%. Only for the midfoot region a significantly decreased impulse by about 15% per year and a significant decrease of the contact area by 9% per year could be observed. A significant influence of gender was observed for peak pressures and impulses in some foot regions as well as for the midfoot width and the foot shape index. The established database can be used as comparative values for clinical decisions about the normal development.