The possible role of foot sole mechanoreceptors for gait neurorehabilitation. II – A dynamometric map of the foot sole

Abstract

Knowledge from the review of the first part of this paper is employed here to explore the applicability of the foot sole dynamometric map concept to gait, as well as its possible relation to the function of the foot sole receptors during walking. For this purpose, the spatiotemporal plantar pressure distribution and its variability throughout the gait stance phase for a case study of a patient with low-lumbar level myelomeningocele is determined and compared with those of a healthy subject. The results indicate a significant spatial variability at the stance phase with a limited contact of the forefoot, probably related to an ankle plantar flexor muscle weakness shown by this patient. In future researches we will analyse deeper whether this type of information could be used to design a rehabilitation protocol for robot-assisted gait training, oriented to promote the functional recovery of gait in patients with spinal cord lesion.