Distribution of Foot Pressing Forces in a Standing Position of Children and Youth in the Light of Prevention and Correction

Abstract

Background: The aim of this paper was to show abnormalities in distribution of foot pressing forces in standing position in children and youths, and also related consequences, in the light of preventive and corrective actions. Materials and methods: The research was conducted in December 2009 at the Rehabilitation Centre in Malbork. It was part of a huge research project covering almost 2500 people. The examined students attend two schools: No 3 Primary School in Pruszcz GdaŃski and No 2 Secondary Schools Group in Malbork. For analysis of the distribution of foot pressing forces Zebris FDM-S measuring plate aimed at a computer foot diagnosis was used. Results: An analysis of the performed examinations shows that the highest values of pressuring forces among children and youth attending schools are at the calcanean tuber - 7.77 and 9.68 N/cm², accordingly. The average recorded value of the pressuring force at the calcanean tuber was more than twice bigger than the most loaded part of metatarsus among school children. A similar situation has been observed among the youths attending school. Conclusions: Abnormalities in the value and distribution of foot pressing forces have been observed. Early-school children and secondary school youths tend to overload the calcanean tuber. An excessive load of the central part of metatarsus was observed as compared to its lateral and medial part in both the age groups. In the future those overloads can be a cause of pain ailments and lead to feet dysfunction and deformation such as transverse platypodia, hallux valgus, mallet toes, calcanean spur, callosities. Systematic check-ups and preventive actions can minimise posture distortions and prevent fixation of those changes. ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR