Plantar pressure distribution during walking: Comparison of subjects with and without chronic low back pain

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate changes during walking in plantar pressure distribution on both the affected and unaffected sides ofpatients with chronic low back pain (LBP). [Subjects] Sixty subjects were included in this study, including 30 patients with chronic low back pain and 30 healthy individuals as the control group. [Methods] The plantar foot pressure and the trajectory of the center of pressure (COP) of both groups were measured using the F-scan System while they walked at a comfortable speed. The F-scan system was used to determine theplantar pressures of both feet with data captured during three strides. [Results] Plantar pressure distribution differences between the left and right sides of the back pain group showed greater increases in anteroposterior (AP) displacement of COP than the control group. [Conclusion] Patients with chronic low back pain walked with a shorter AP displacement of COP, perhaps due to a compensatory action in trying to avoid pain. The foot pressure distributions in the back pain group provide evidence of alterations of the gait pattern in patients with chronic low back pain.