Article

The purpose of the present study was to provide normative data for foot loading
patterns and foot form parameters in order to support decisions about the normal
or abnormal development of the growing foot during childhood. In a longitudinal
design, 36 healthy German children were followed over the course of nine years.
The children had a mean age of 14.6 +/- 1.8 months at the first appointment and
122.8 +/- 2.0 months at the last appointment. The children participated in 17
measurement appointments every 3, 6 or 12 months. Dynamic foot loading was
evaluated with plantar pressure measurements during walking and static footprints
were taken to determine changes in foot form. During the investigation period an
increase of peak pressures of the total foot by 190%, of the relative maximum
force of the total foot by 20% and the foot length by 90% was observed. A
decrease for the relative maximum force under the midfoot (63%) and for the arch
index (49%) could also be demonstrated. Furthermore, body height showed a
significant influence on foot length and midfoot width. Body weight had a
significant influence on the static parameter midfoot width. Between genders,
boys showed a significant wider midfoot and a smaller forefoot contact area as
compared to girls. The established database can be used as comparative values for
clinical decisions about the normal foot development.
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