Article

The purpose of this study was to analyze standing foot pressure image to obtain the
foot pressure distribution parameter - power ratio variation between men and
women using image processing in frequency domain. METHODS: We examined 28 healthy
adult subjects (14 men and 14 women) aged between 20
and 45 years was recruited
for our study. Foot pressure distribution patterns while standing are obtained by
using a PedoPowerGraph plantar pressure measurement system for foot image
formation, a digital camera for image capturing, a TV tuner PC-add on card, a
WinDvr software for still capture and Matlab software with dedicated image
processing algorithms have been developed. Various PedoPowerGraphic parameters
such as percentage medial impulse (PMI), fore foot to hind foot pressure
distribution ratio (F/H), big toe to fore foot pressure distribution ratio (B/F)
and power ratio (PR) were evaluated. RESULTS: In men, contact area was
significantly larger in all regions of the foot compared with women. There were
significant differences in plantar pressure distribution but there was no
significant difference in F/H and B/F ratio. Mean PR value was significantly
greater in men than women under the hind foot and fore foot. PMI value was
greater in women than men. As compared to men, women have maximum PR variations
in the mid foot. Hence there is significant difference at level p<0.05 in medial
mid foot and mid foot PR of women as compared to men. CONCLUSION: There was
variation in plantar pressure distribution because the contact area of the men
foot was larger than that of women foot.
Hence knowledge of pressure
distributions variation of both feet can provide suitable guidelines to
biomedical engineers and doctor for designing orthotic devices for reliving the
area of excessively high pressure.
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Langue : ANGLAIS