Article

Physicians routinely prescribe partial weight bearing in a walking boot following
fractures of the lower limbs in order to produce the needed mechanical
environment to facilitate healing. Plantar pressure measurements can provide key
information regarding the mechanical environment experienced by lower limb bones.
The effect of walking boots on plantar pressure distribution has been well
reported, however, the combined effects of partial weight bearing and walking
boots on plantar pressure distribution and center of pressure is unknown.
Thirteen healthy volunteers with no known gait pathologies were fitted with a
multi-pressure sensor insole that recorded their plantar pressure distribution
during four walking trials: (i) normal walking, (ii) full weight bearing in a
walking boot, (iii) 27 kg partial weight bearing in a walking boot and (iv) 9 kg
partial weight bearing in a walking boot. Results demonstrated that changing from
trial (i) to (iv) resulted in a posterior shift in weight distribution; the
percentage of total weight experienced at the heel increased while the percentage
of total weight experienced at the forefoot (both medial and lateral) and the
hallux decreased. Center of pressure trajectories also shifted more posteriorly.
Additionally, while in a walking boot the gait during full and partial weight
bearing resulted in more even foot loading.
CI - Copyright (c) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS