Comparative Analysis of Dynamic Plantar Pressure Distribution on Different Areas of the Foot

The plantar distribution between the foot and the contact surface provides valuable information about the foot's structure and functions. The plantar footprints were taken from 60 young women, aged between 20-30 and their foot typology was established by the authors in a previous study. The average values of the plantar pressures recorded on ten foot segments, in case of the four groups: normal foot, high arched foot, flat foot and Hallux-Valgus foot were analyzed in the present study. By comparing the pressures for the four identified groups, it was demonstrated that there are no significant differences between subjects, the maximum values being registered on the third metatarsal head bone, followed by the second metatarsal head bone and the heel. The findings of a Pearson correlation analysis demonstrate that some pressure areas are directly proportional to others (like for example toe areas with first, second, fourth metatarsal head bones and median area of the foot) and other pressure areas are indirectly proportional to others (like for example lateral heel, with second to fifth toe). An important result of the performed analysis is the negative correlation between toe area and the third and fifth metatarsals head bones. Therefore, when creating the footwear bottom components, the designer should use different materials and structures and design in order to redistribute the plantar pressures according to areas of the foot.