• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.87-92
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• 2009

Objects：The purpose of this study is to investigate the values of foot pressure of the stance phase during a gait cycle in hemiplegic gait. Method：42 patients who had a stroke and 42 healthy adults were evaluated by the RSscan system to analyze the stance phase of hemiplegic gait. The stance phase was evaluated as plantar foor pressure. Results：1) Foot plantar pressure of toe area, affected side and less affected side showed low distribution of the plantar foot pressure which is lower than plantar foot pressure of normal adults(p<0.05). 2) Foot plantar pressure of metatarsal area, showed significantly differences among hemiplesic patient's affected side and less affected side and distribution of plantar foot pressure of normal adults(p<0.05). 3) Foot plantar pressure of heel area, hemiplesic patients' affected side and less affected side showed lower distribution of the plantar foot pressure than plantar foot pressure of normal adults(p<0.05). Conclusion：The results of this study suggest that not only affected side but also less affected side in hemiplegic patients showed significantly differences in distribution of the plantar foot pressure of normal adults.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.22 no.5
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• pp.77-82
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• 2010

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the pathway of COP and plantar foot pressure and to determine the correlation between plantar regions during the ascending and descending of a ramp. Methods: Fifteen healthy adults who had no musculoskeletal problems participated in our study. They were asked to walk on a level surface and on an ascending and descending ramp in their bare feet. Pathway of COP and plantar foot pressures were recorded using the Matscan system (Tekscan, Boston, USA). For pressure measurements, the plantar foot surface was divided into seven regions: two toe regions, three forefoot regions, a midfoot region, and a heel region. To determine whether there was a statistically significant difference between pathway of COP and plantar foot pressures during walking, we used repeated measuremes ANOVA. Results: In comparison to results for a level walking, pathway of COP while ascending a ramp had a tendency to be shifted medially in the forefoot and became longer till the big toe. Pathway of COP while descending a ramp also was shifted medially, but ended in the forefoot. Plantar foot pressure of the second and third metatarsal head and the fourth and fifth metatarsal heads was significantly decreased while descending the ramp. Conclusion: These results indicated that plantar foot pressure is changed while ascending and descending a ramp and demonstrated that ramp walking can affect the structure and function of the foot. Therefore, gait environment is associated with significant changes in foot characteristics, which contribute to altered plantar loading patterns during gait.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.141-150
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• 2012

This study aims to provide the basic biomechanical data on the average, maximum and distribution of plantar pressure during hockey penalty stroke by comparing five skilled and five unskilled players. Following are the conclusions. First in the case of average and maximum planter pressure during penalty stroke, the skilled players showed higher pressures at the moment of left foot landing in rear plantar of left foot and fore, rear plantar of right foot compared to the unskilled players. Also at the moment of impact, the skilled players showed higher pressures in fore, rear plantar of left foot and fore plantar of right foot compared to the unskilled. The analysis drew the conclusion that the skilled players move their center of body from fore, rear plantar of right foot to fore, rear plantar of left foot at the moment of left foot landing and impact in order to perform a quick and strong shooting. Second in the case of plantar distribution, as the skilled players put over 70% of their weights on left foot, they showed overall higher plantar pressure distributed on the outer fore, mid and rear parts of left foot plantar, in contrast with the unskilled players who showed about 50/50 distribution of weights on their right and left foot. The analysis concluded that such distribution was shown because the skilled players transferred their weights from the right to left foot effectively while the unskilled players could not do so.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.197-204
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• 2009

It bas been hypothesized that foot ulceration might be internally initiated. Current instruments which merely allow superficial estimate of plantar loading acting on the foot, severely limit the scope of many biomechanical/clinical studies on this issue. Recent studies have suggested that peak plantar pressure may be only 65% specific for the development of ulceration. These limitations are at least partially due to surface pressures not being representative of the complex mechanical stress developed inside the subcutaneous plantar soft-tissue, which are potentially more relevant for tissue breakdown. This study established a three-dimensional and nonlinear finite element model of a human foot complex with comprehensive skeletal and soft-tissue components capable of predicting both the external and internal stresses and deformations of the foot. The model was validated by experimental data of subject-specific plantar foot pressure measures. The stress analysis indicated the internal stresses doses were site-dependent and the observation found a change between 1.5 to 4.5 times the external stresses on the foot plantar surface. The results yielded insights into the internal loading conditions of the plantar soft-tissue, which is important in enhancing our knowledge on the causes of foot ulceration and related stress-induced tissue breakdown in diabetic foot.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.45-54
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• 2018

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of foot strengthening exercise program and functional insoles on joint angle and plantar pressure in elderly women. Thirteen elderly women who were enrolled in a university senior citizens academy of a metropolitan city in 2017 were divided into two groups: exercise group with functional insole (n=7) and exercise group without functional insole (n=6). Method: Three-dimensional motion analysis and Pedar-X were performed to compute the joint angle and the foot plantar pressure, respectively. Two-way repeated measure ANOVA was conducted to compare dependent variables within and between groups. The significance level was set at ${\alpha}=.05$. Results: The range of motion (ROM) of the ankle, knee, and hip joints in the exercise group with functional insole increased significantly more than the exercise group without functional insole. In both the experimental group and the comparison group, the maximum foot plantar pressure and the mean foot plantar pressure were decreased, but the comparison group without functional insole showed more decrease. Since the experimental group demonstrated greater pressure than the comparison group in the contact area (forefoot, midfoot), it was distributed over a greater area. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that participation in foot strengthening exercises and using a functional insole has more positive effects than foot strengthening exercises alone on the joint angle and plantar pressure in elderly women. Increased foot plantar pressure led to an increased contact area (forefoot, midfoot) for distribution of the foot plantar pressure, but the effect of reducing the maximum and average plantar pressures was incomplete. However, wearing functional insoles along with exercise, could help in improving the stability of the joints, by increasing the range of motion, and could help the elderly in movement of the muscles more effectively, leading to an improvement in gait function.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.64-70
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• 2006

The purpose of this study was to determine whether a relationship existed between foot type and the location of plantar callus in healthy subjects. Twenty-five healthy subjects with plantar callus were recruited for this study. Foot deformities were classified according to the operational definitions as 1) a compensated forefoot varus, 2) an uncompensated forefoot varus or forefoot valgus, or 3) a compensated rearfoot varus. The location of plantar callus was divided into two regions. Fourteen of the 19 feet with compensated forefoot varus and six of the 9 feet showed plantar callus at the second, third or fourth metatarsal head. Five of the 6 feet with uncompensated forefoot varus and twenty of the 16 feet with forefoot valgus showed plantar callus at the first or fifth metatarsal head. A significant relationship was found between foot type and location of callus (p<.01). The results support the hypothesis that certain foot types are associated with characteristic patterns of pressure distribution and callus formation. We believe diabetic patients with insensitive feet and with the types of foot deformity should be fit with foot orthoses and footwears that accommodate their respective deformity in a position as near to the subtalar joint as possible with the goal of preventing plantar ulceration.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.43-49
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• 2009

Purpose: This study examined the dynamic peak plantar pressure under the foot areas in those with a functional leg length inequality. Methods: The dynamic peak plantar pressure under the foot areas in an experimental group with a functional leg length inequality (n=20) and a control group (n=20) was assessed a using the Mat-Scan system (Tekscan, USA). The peak plantar pressure under the hallux, 1st, 2nd, 3-4th and 5th metatarsal head (MTH), mid foot, and heel was measured while the subject was walking on the Mat-Scan system. Results: The experimental group had significantly higher peak plantar pressure under all foot areas when the dynamic peak plantar pressure in the short leg and long leg sides was compared. The control group had a significantly higher peak plantar pressure under the 1st, 2nd, 3-4th, and 5th MTH when the dynamic peak plantar pressure in the short leg and long leg sides were compared. The experimental group showed a significantly larger difference in the dynamic peak plantar pressure under the hallux, 1st, 2nd, 3-4th and 5th MTH, mid foot and heel than the control group. Conclusion: A functional leg length inequality leads to an increase in the weight distribution and dynamic peak plantar pressure in the side of the short leg.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.155-176
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• 2005

There is some evidence that one of major factors to produce plantar fasciitis depends on the magnitude of the foot arch strain. The orthotics that can reduce the foot arch strain during locomotion may be effective to prevent or treat plantar fasciitis. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of control condition and three types of foot orthotics on 3-dimensional foot arch strain that can produce plantar fasciitis during treadmill level and uphill walking and running. Sixteen male subjects are recruited and the arch length and height strain according to three types of foot orthotics with respect to control condition were measured by using two digital video cameras. The first hypothesis which the comfort of foot orthotics would be increased from arch pad, half length orthotics to full length orthotics was mostly accepted. It suggested that the types of the foot orthotics could be properly prescribed according foot regions that is pain or abnormal. The second hypothesis which the foot arch strain can be reduced by foot orthotics during level heel-toe walking and running and the third hypothesis which the foot arch strain can be reduced by foot orthotics during uphill heel-toe walking and running were rejected. The foot arch length and height strain during walking and running showed small and subject-specific characteristics and could not be optimal biomechanical variable to prove the overall comfort. The forth hypothesis which the foot arch strain cannot be reduced by foot orthotics during uphill toe walking and running was accepted. With the foot arch length and height strain during uphill toe walking and running the windlass mechanism suggested by Hicks can be explained successfully and excessive uphill toe walking and running can be one of cause of plantar fasciitis. The dynamic investigation on the foot arch such as walking and running should be carefully observed with integrated insights considering ligaments and foot bones as well as plantar fascia, extrinsic muscles and tendons, and intrinsic muscles and tendons.

• The Journal of Churna Manual Medicine for Spine and Nerves
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.1-16
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• 2007

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to identify spinal curvatures, plantar pressure and foot angles in a walking. Methods : 19 outpatients under 19 years old were included. Plantar pressure and foot angle in a walking were measured by using Gaitview AFA-50. Spinal curvatures were measured by using radiograph. Results : The cervical lordotic angle is significantly difference with left and right plantar pressure(p=0.027). The thoracic kyphotic angle is significantly difference with left and right plantar pressure(p=0.026). Cobb's angle is significantly difference with left and right plantar pressure(p=0.027). The other plantar pressure were no difference from spinal curvatures and foot angle in a walking. Conclusion : There were no correlation between plantar pressure, spinal curvatures and foot angle. We consider that needed more additional study.

• Journal of Fashion Business
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.83-97
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• 2024

A plantar pressure mat with visual notifications was developed to confirm whether individuals can effectively balance themselves and correct imbalances. The sensor-embedded mat was made with a commercial yoga mat, and was tested on seven working women in their 30s to determine plantar pressure distribution when standing and squatting, and if they could recognize and correct imbalances with visual feedback. The study found that visual notifications significantly changed the plantar pressure ratio of the forefoot and hindfoot, as well as the left and right foot plantar pressure ratio. Without notifications, the center of gravity was more concentrated in the rear foot than the forefoot in both standing and squatting positions. Visual notifications showed that the center of gravity, which was largely focused on the rear foot, was distributed to the forefoot, resulting in a more evenly distributed center of gravity throughout the sole. For the change in left and right plantar pressure, the weight that was largely loaded on the left side was distributed to the right foot through the visual notification mat, confirming a more balanced plantar pressure.