Effect of arch type and Body Mass Index on plantar pressure distribution during stance phase of gait.

Several factors have been associated with the presence of abnormally high plantar foot pressure including: (i) increased body weight, (ii) foot structure and (iii) walking strategy. It is predicted that the biomechanics of the foot is influenced by the structure of the foot, primarily the Medial Longitudinal Arch. The objective of this study was to examine if Body Mass Index and the foot arch have a direct effect on dynamic peak plantar pressure for healthy subjects. Following a clinical lower limb examination, the Tekscan HR mat was utilised for this study, plantar pressure was profiled at specific events during stance phase of gait including heel strike, midstance and toe off. Results indicated to the preferable normal arch as this produced a low plantar pressure distribution in all cases. The 2nd and 3rd metatarsal head region recorded the highest pressure for all arch types during dynamic analysis. The lowest pressure for the normal and overweight BMI was at toe-off. While the obese BMI group showed highest pressure during toe-off. The obese BMI flat arch subcategory indicated to functional ambulation differences. Future work involves comparing this healthy database to a demographically matched diabetic group.