Effects of walking speed on plantar pressure patterns and hindfoot angular motion

Abstract

Thirty healthy subjects were studied to determine whether and how changes in walking speed affect plantar pressure distribution and hindfoot angular motion. A capacitive pressure distribution platform and an electrogoniometer on the subjects' hind foot were used for data collection. There was a significant increase in peak pressure under the heel and the medial part of the forefoot and a significant decrease under the midfoot and lateral forefoot with increasing walking speed. This effect of a medialization of the loading pattern seems closely related to a more pronounced pronation motion as indicated by increased eversion of the hindfoot. The results emphasize the need for monitoring and controlling walking speed when comparing the foot loading characteristics of different groups of subjects. © 1994.