Characteristics of center of foot pressure path of healthy adults

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to measure the stance phase walking pattern of young adults and investigate the characteristics by comparing it with prior reports that the center of foot pressure (COP) moves from the heel to the vicinity of the 5th metatarsal before advancing to the big toe. Subjects and Methods: The subjects were 17 vocational students who gave their consent to participation in the study. In addition to measurements of 10 m walking and physique, we investigated the characteristics of COP in the stance phase. Results and Conclusion: COP showed a tendency to a central pattern. From the load response phase to the end of the stance phase, we found the time factor tended to be prolonged. The results suggest, that particularly after the initial contact, the movement of the lower ankle joint, foot length and width (arch function), and the angle of dorsiflexion of the middle toes contribute to functional adjustments of COP.