Article

Regional plantar pressures during stair walking may be injurious in at risk
populations. However, limited data are available examining the reliability of
plantar pressure data collected during stair walking.
The aims of this study were
three fold; to assess the reliability of the plantar pressure data recorded
during stair walking, to assess the effects of level ground and stair walking on
plantar loading, and to develop regression equations to predict regional plantar
pressures in stair walking from those collected on level ground. Fifteen subjects
without conditions affecting their ability to walk on level surfaces or stairs
were recruited. Each participant performed at least 10 steps in level ground and
stair walking while plantar pressure data were recorded in six foot regions.
Reliability was assessed using Intraclass Correlation Coefficient. A repeated
measures ANOVA was used to assess the effect of activity on plantar pressure, and
a linear regression was used to predict forefoot loading during stair walking. A
reliability of 0.9 was achieved within 10 steps in all foot regions, with the
forefoot requiring fewer steps. Plantar pressures were influenced by both, foot
region and activity, with the heel and forefoot regions generally experiencing
lower peak pressures and maximal forces during stair walking than level ground
walking. The regression equations predicting peak pressure during stair walking
accounted for between 37% and 70% of the variance of the stair walking data.
These findings establish the reliability of plantar pressure data collected
during stair walking. Future studies should investigate these parameters in
clinical populations.
CI - Copyright (c) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS