Article

Analysis of pedobarographical data requires geometric identification of specific
anatomical areas extracted from recorded plantar pressures. This approach has led
to ambiguity in measurements that may underlie the inconsistency of conclusions
reported in pedobarographical studies. The goal of this study was to design a new
analysis method less susceptible to the projection accuracy of anthropometric
points and distance estimation, based on rarely used spatio-temporal indices. Six
pedobarographic records per person (three per foot) from a group of 60 children
aged 11-12 years were obtained and analyzed. The basis of the analysis was a
mutual relationship between two spatio-temporal indices created by excursion of
the peak pressure point and the center-of-pressure point on the dynamic
pedobarogram. Classification of weight-shift patterns was elaborated and
performed, and their frequencies of occurrence were assessed. This new method
allows an assessment of body weight shift through the plantar pressure surface
based on distribution analysis of spatio-temporal indices not affected by the
shape of this surface. Analysis of the distribution of the created index
confirmed the existence of typical ways of weight shifting through the plantar
surface of the foot during gait, as well as large variability of the intrasubject
occurrence. This method may serve as the basis for interpretation of foot
functional features and may extend the clinical usefulness of pedobarography.
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Langue : ANGLAIS