Article

Although foot pressure has been reported to be increased in people affected by
leprosy, studies on foot pressure and its determinants are limited. Therefore,
the aim was to assess barefoot plantar foot pressure and to identify clinical
determinants of increased plantar foot pressure in leprosy affected persons.
Plantar pressure in both feet was assessed using the Novel EMED-X platform in 39
persons affected by leprosy. Peak pressure was determined for the total foot and
four regions: hallux, metatarsal heads, midfoot and heel. Potential determinants
were: age, weight, nerve function (Neuropathy Disability Score, Pressure
Perception Threshold and Vibration Perception Threshold), toe and foot
deformities, joint mobility, ankle muscle strength and callus. Increased peak
pressure (>600kPa) was observed in 46% of the participants. The highest peak
pressure (mean) was found in the metatarsal heads region (right 549 (SD 321)kPa;
left 530 (SD 298)kPa). Multilevel regression analysis showed that Neuropathy
Disability Score, amputation/absorption of toes and hallux valgus independently
contributed to metatarsal heads peak pressure in persons affected with leprosy.
To conclude, peak pressure is increased in people affected by leprosy. The
highest peak pressure is found in the forefoot region and is significantly
associated to Neuropathy Disability Score, toe amputation/absorption and hallux
valgus. Screening for clinical characteristics can be used to identify individual
persons affected by leprosy at risk of excessive pressure.
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Langue : ANGLAIS