• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.10 no.8
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• pp.257-265
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• 2010

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of different ramp inclination on the maximum plantar foot pressure and pathway of the center of pressure. Fifteen healthy adults who had no musculoskeletal disorders were participated with this study and descended the ramp with different inclination(level, $-5^{\circ}$, $-10^{\circ}$, $-15^{\circ}$). Plantar foot pressures were recorded by the Matscan system(Tekscan, Boston, USA) during level and descending ramp with barefoot. Plantar foot surface was defined as seven regions for pressure measurement; two toe regions, three forefoot regions, one midfoot region, one heel region. Repeated ANOVA was used to compare each region data of foot according to different ramp inclination. As descending ramp inclination became increased, the pressure of hallux region was significantly increased at $-15^{\circ}$ inclination and the pressure of 2-3 metatasal head region were significantly decreased at $-5^{\circ}$, $-10^{\circ}$, $-15^{\circ}$ inclination. The pathway of COP had a tendency to be shifted inside in forefoot and prolonged to great toe as the descending ramp inclination increased. The results indicated that plantar foot pressure could be changed at hallux and forefoot regions with $-5^{\circ}$ ramp inclination and these findings demonstrated that ramp inclination could affect the structure and function of foot.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.439-446
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• 1997

We undertook this study to determine the plantar pressure distribution characteristics of hallux valgus, major increasing foot disease. Twenty three valgus Patients were evaluated with clinical examinations, radiologic studies and dynamic plantar pressure distribution measurements. The present study also suggested a masking method for detailed analyses on plantar pressure distribution measurements. With higher grade of hallux valgus, pressure, contact area, and impulse on metartasus are significantly increased Pressure concentration is very important in foot diseases and an approximate plantar pressure distribution should be considered on any shoe design.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.191-200
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• 2007

The purpose of this study was to analyze the foot-pressure distribution of trekking boots for assessing their functionality. Subjects participated in this study included 10 university male students who had no injury experience in lower limbs and a normal gait pattern. The size of all subjects was 270mm. Five models of trekking boots, most popular in Korea (A, B, C, D & E company), were selected for the test. Using the PEDAR-X system and PEDAR-X insoles, 5 different walking stages were analyzed for the foot-pressure distribution: (a) straight gait; (b) $45^{\circ}$ turn gait; (c) $25^{\circ}$ uphill gait; and (d) $25^{\circ}$ downhill gait. Results of the foot-pressure distribution and functionality on each stage were as follow; 1. Straight gait - In case of Max ground reaction force, mean plantar pressure and Max plantar pressure, there was not a distinct tendency; however, products manufactured by E and A company showed relatively lower pressure distribution. 2. $45^{\circ}$ turn gait - In Max ground reaction force, mean plantar pressure and Max plantar pressure, there wasn't a distinct tendency; however, products manufactured by E and A company showed relatively lower pressure distribution. Results also revealed that the products manufactured by E and A company were superior to those by other companies in terms of functionality. 3. $25^{\circ}$ uphill gait - In Max ground reaction force, mean plantar pressure and Max plantar pressure, there wasn't a distinct tendency; however, products manufactured by E and C company showed relatively lower pressure distribution. Results also revealed that the products manufactured by E and C company were superior to those by other companies in terms of functionality. 4. $25^{\circ}$ downhill gait - In Max ground reaction force, Mean plantar pressure and Max plantar pressure, there wasn't a distinct tendency; however, products manufactured by E company showed relatively lower pressure distribution. Results also revealed that the products manufactured by E company were superior to those by other companies in terms of functionality. Overall, five pairs of trekking shoes selected in this study showed the excellent performance in several conditions. The findings above may provide us with the important criteria for choosing trekking boots.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.83-98
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• 2004

The purpose of this study was to investigate the test-retest of plantar pressures using the F-Scan system over speeds and plantar regions. 6 healthy female subjects in 20's were recruited for the study. Plantar pressure measurements during locomotor activities can provide information concerning foot function, particularly if the timing and magnitude of the loading profile can be related to the location of specific foot structures such as the metatarsal heads. The Tekscan F-Scan system consists of a flexible, 0.18mm thick sole-shape having 1260 pressure sensors, the sensor insole was trimmed to fit the subjects' right. left shoes - sneakers shoes & dress shoes. It was calibrated by the known weight of the test subject standing on one foot. The Tekscan measurements show the insole pressure distribution as a function of the time. This finding has important implications for the development of plantar pressure test protocols where the function of the forefoot is important. According to the result of analysis it is as follows 1) Center of force trajectory in women's dress shoes display direct movement, compare with center of force trajectory in Sneaker shoes displays a little bit curved slow pronation movement. Sneaker shoes in forefoot part display very quick supination movement, therefore, this shoes effects negative effectiveness for ankle's stability Considering center of force trajectory analyzing the more center of force close straight line, the more movement can be quick movement for locomotion. For foot pressure distribution, center of force trajectory in locomotion is better to curved trajectory with pronation movement. So sneaker shoes style is good shoes considering center of pressure distribution trajectory compare with women's dress shoes. 2) Women's dress shoes increased peak pressure in medial, this is effected by high hill's height. The more increased women's dress shoes's height, the more women's peak pressure will increase, pronation can increase compare with before. Supination movement increase, this focused pressure in lateral, also, supination increased more. If the supination movement increased, foot pressure focused in lateral, therefore, it is appeared force distribution in gait direction. This is bad movement in foot's stability. 3) Women's dress shoes in landing phase displayed a long time, this is when women's dress shoes wear, gait movement is unbalance, so, landing phase displayed a long time. For compensation in gait, swing phase quick movement. 4) Women's dress shoes displayed peak pressure distribution in lateral of rearfoot part, Sneakers shoes displayed peak pressure distribution in medial of forefoot part. Its results has good impact absorption compare with women's dress shoes. In forefoot part, sneakers shoes has good propulsive force compare with women's dress shoes.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.39-47
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• 2008

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to investigate the change of the peak plantar pressure distribution under the foot areas and the range of motion (ROM) of ankle joint according to gradients in treadmill gait. Method : Thirty normal subjects (15 male and 15 female) walked on treadmill at three gradient conditions ($0^{\circ}$, $10^{\circ}$, and $15^{\circ}$) in normal speed. The ankle ROM was measured using the CMS70P that is three dimensional analyzer for excursion of ankle ROM, plantar flexion, and dorsi flexion. The peak plantar pressure distribution under the hallux, 1st metatarsal head (MTH) and heel was measured using the F -Scan system with an in-shoe sensor. Data was collected from 9 steps of left sife foot in at each gradient condition while all subjects walked. Result : As the treadmill gradient increased, the excursion of ankle joint was significantly increased (p<.05). Also, plantar flexion and dorsi flexion was significantly increased according to treadmill gradients (p<.05). The peak plantar pressure under the 1st MTH was significantly increased (p<.05) and the peak plantar pressure under the heel was significantly decreased (p<.05) as the treadmill gradient increased. No significant different in the peak plantar pressure under the hallux was observed. Conclusion : This study suggests that physical therapy for patients who have limited ankle ROM should be considered sufficient range of motion for functional ambulation. And individuals that have painful forefoot syndromes, including metatarsalgia, hallux valgus, and plantar ulceration should be careful in walking to uphill, as there is high plantar pressure under the forefoot.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.235-244
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• 2022

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate of the foot plantar pressure and usability after gait training using the ExoAtlet wearable exoskeleton robot in an incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI) patient. Design: A case study Methods: Six participants with an asymmetry in motor and sensory function completed the gait training using ExoAtlet wearable exoskeleton robot for 15 sessions, five per weeks, 3weeks. They were divided into two groups (low and high strength group) and group differences were evaluated about session at stating of gait, gait distance at final session and foot plantar pressures and useability after training. Results: Low strength group was faster than high strength group on adaptation of robot gait. And high strength group increased faster than low strength group on the gait distance during training. In standing and gait, weaker leg was higher than stronger leg on mean foot plantar pressure in low strength group. And stronger leg was higher than weaker leg on foot plantar pressure in high strength group. The length of the anterior-posterior trajectory of the center of pressure during gait was similar in low strength group, but different in high strength group. useability was positive about ExoAtlet wearable exoskeleton gait after training. Conclusions: ExoAtlet wearable exoskeleton robot gait training was positive about improving gait in all participants regardless of differences in severity of symptoms and gait abnormalities.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.23 no.6
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• pp.15-22
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• 2011

Purpose: This research investigated falls due to obstacles that occur among elderly people by assessing changes in the values of plantar foot force, peak force, and plantar foot pressure in elderly subjects while they were stepping over obstacles of different heights. Methods: The subjects were 20 elderly people aged 70-80 years; Pressure was measured on flat ground(0 cm), and after installing obstacles of 8 cm and 12 cm using the F-scan system, which is a resistance-type pressure sensor. A one-way analysis of variance was performed to compare pressure on each part of the foot according to various heights after collecting data using the Tekscan program. The least significant difference test was used for the post-hoc analysis, A p-value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: The force value for the toe area (parts 1, and 2) and contact pressure increased significantly with the 12 cm obstacle (p<0.05). The peak force value and the peak contact pressure for part 1 increased significantly with the 12 cm obstacle (p<0.05). Conclusion: Larger changes appeared in the functions and structure of the foot while subjects walked over obstacles of different heights compared to flatland walking. This result suggests that people have safety strategies to prevent falls, and that there is a need for a more realistic approach through practice to overcome obstacles of various heights to prevent falls.

• Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers A
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• v.35 no.10
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• pp.1237-1242
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• 2011

The A detailed 3D finite-element analysis model of a human foot has been developed by converting CT scan images to 3D CAD models in order to analyze the distribution of plantar pressure. The 3D foot model includes all muscles, bones, and skin. On the basis of this model and the pressure distribution results, shoes for diabetes patients, which can make the plantar pressure distribution uniform, may be designed through finite-element contact analysis.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.59-65
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• 2008

The purpose of this study was to investigate the shift of COP pathway and the plantar foot pressure among level walking and stairs and ramp climbing in young and elderly people. Plantar foot pressure was measured by MatScan system(Tekscan, USA). Statistical analysis was used One-way ANOVA to know the characteristics of peak plantar pressure during walking with different the facilities. In young adults, COP pathway during stairs climbing was slightly shorten and trended to abduct at forefoot. COP pathway during ramp climbing was also shorten but trend to adduct at forefoot. Peak plantar pressure of 2-3 metatarsal head and heel during ramp climbing was more decreased than level walking. In elderly people, COP pathway during stairs climbing was more shorten and abducted than leve walking and COP pathway during ramp climbing was more unstable than level walking. Peak plantar pressure of first metatarsal head increased at stair climbing and decreased at ramp climbing. That of second metatarsal head and heel was more decreased at ramp climbing. Conclusionally, Peak plantar pressures of each foot region generally increased and more changed during ramp climbing.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.41-51
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• 2015

The purposes of this study were 1) to determine the effects of low-dye taping on peak plantar pressure following treadmill walking exercise, 2) to determine whether the biomechanical effectiveness of low-dye taping in peak plantar pressure was still maintained following removal of the tape during treadmill walking, and 3) to determine the trend towards a medial-to-lateral shift in peak plantar pressure in the midfoot region before and after application of low-dye taping. Twenty subjects with flexible flatfoot were recruited using a navicular drop test. The peak plantar pressure data were recorded during five treadmill walking sessions: (1) un-taped, (2) baseline-taped, (3) after a 10-minute treadmill walking exercise, (4) after a 20-minute treadmill walking exercise, and (5) after removal of the taping. The foot was divided into six parts during the data analysis. One-way repeated measures analysis of variance was performed to investigate peak plantar pressure variations in the six foot parts in the five sessions. This study resulted in significantly increased medial forefoot peak plantar pressure compared to the un-taped condition (p=.017, post 10-minute treadmill walking exercise) and (p=.021, post 20-minute treadmill walking exercise). The peak plantar pressure in the lateral forefoot showed that there was a significant decrease after sessions of baseline-taped (p=.006) and 10-minute of treadmill walking exercise (p=.46) compared to the un-taped condition. The tape removal values were similar to the un-taped values in the five sessions. Thus, the findings of the current study may be helpful when researchers and clinicians estimate single taping effects or consider how frequently taping should be replaced for therapeutic purposes. Further studies are required to investigate the evidence in support of biomechanical effectiveness of low-dye taping in the midfoot region.