A Comparative Study of the Plantar Foot Pressure according to the Form of Foot Angle during Level Walking

평지 보행 시 발 각도 형태에 따른 발바닥 압력 비교 연구

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of foot angles on plantar pressure and the center of pressure (COP) trajectory length during level walking. Methods: The study subjects were 30 female university students without orthopedic diseases in the foot. The foot angle was divided into three forms (out-toeing, normal, in-toeing). The subjects practiced each type of gait, and then performed each of level walking, three times, and their averages were calculated. A plantar pressure measurement instrument was used, and the maximum force was obtained by dividing the foot into nine regions covering the anterior medial-lateral, middle medial-lateral, and posterior medial-lateral. The COP trajectory length was statistically processed by obtaining medial-lateral, anterior-posterior, and entire travel distance. Results: During normal walking, the maximum force was significantly higher in the anterior lateral than in the other areas, and the COP trajectory length was significantly shorter in the front-back and entire travel distances (p<0.05). During stair climbing. Conclusion: Walking at abnormal foot angles does not cause appreciable problems in the short term as pressure is concentrated on a specific plantar part. However, it becomes the cause of deformed foot structures and can result in musculoskeletal disabilities in the long term. Therefore, a kinesiatrics-based intervention is required to maintain normal foot angles.