Article

Not only plantar pressure but also weight-bearing activity affects accumulated
mechanical stress to the foot and may be related to foot ulceration. To date,
activity has not been accounted for in leprosy.
The purpose was to compare
barefoot pressure, in-shoe pressure and daily cumulative stress between persons
affected by leprosy with and without previous or current foot ulceration. Nine
persons with current plantar ulceration were compared to 15 with previous and 15
without previous ulceration. Barefoot peak pressure (EMED-X), in-shoe peak
pressure (Pedar-X) and daily cumulative stress (in-shoe forefoot pressure time
integralxmean daily strides (Stepwatch Activity Monitor)) were measured. Barefoot
peak pressure was increased in persons with current and previous compared to no
previous foot ulceration (mean+/-SD=888+/-222 and 763+/-335 vs 465+/-262kPa,
p<0.05). In-shoe peak pressure was only increased in persons with current
compared to without previous ulceration (mean+/-SD=412+/-145 vs 269+/-70kPa,
p<0.05). Daily cumulative stress was not different between groups, although
persons with current and previous foot ulceration were less active. Although
barefoot peak pressure was increased in people with current and previous plantar
ulceration, it did not discriminate between these groups. While in-shoe peak
pressure was increased in persons with current ulceration, they were less active,
resulting in no difference in daily cumulative stress. Increased in-shoe peak
pressure suggests insufficient pressure reducing footwear in persons with current
ulceration, highlighting the importance of pressure reducing qualities of
footwear.
CI - Copyright (c) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS