Objective: This study was performed to investigate plantar pressure distribution in healthy adults to establish normal plantar pressure values.
Materials & Methods: In this descriptive and analytical study, 80 individuals (female and male) with healthy feet were selected from convenient samples by simple selection. This study was performed with usage of RS-Scan plantar pressure measurement device to measure plantar pressure in 9 anatomical regions of the foot during standing and walking. Data were analyzed by Paired T-test and Independent T-test.
Results: During walking the highest pressure was located under the heel area (31.43 n/cm2), 2th (30.86 n/cm2) and 3th (28 n/cm2) metatarsal heads, followed by big toe (23.51 n/cm2) and the lowest pressure was at 2-5 toes and midfoot. There were significant differences between male and female in static pressure values for the left forefoot (P<0.001), contact areas at rear foot(P<0.001) and right midfoot (P=0.02). Results showed significant differences in pressure under 4th metatarsal head of right (P=0.05) and left (P=0.04) foot, 5th metatarsal head of right foot (P=0.02) and under heel region pressures of both foot (P<0.001) between females and males.
Conclusion: There are many differences in distribution manner and values of plantar pressure between females and males that would be considered at therapeutic and rehabilitation procedures of at risk foot (for example: Diabetic foot) and shoe designing.