Investigation of Children’s Plantar Pressure Distribution with Varied Angle of Hallux

Fashion shoes with narrow and tight toe are widely designed for children and their influence was rarely considered. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate children's plantar pressure distribution with varied angle of hallux (AoH), so as to simulate the effect of the tight shoes on the children's feet. Totally, 892 healthy children aged between two and 11 were recruited and those with the foot deformities were excluded by an experienced clinical expert. Both the dynamic AoH and plantar pressure distribution were measured by a pressure plate, with the two-steps protocol and self-selected walking speed. Regions of Hallux, medial forefoot (MFF), central forefoot (CFF), lateral forefoot (LFF), mid foot (MF) and Heel were considered and peak pressure (PP) (N/cm2), relative pressure time integral (PTIrel) (%) and relative contact area (CArel) (%) at each region were calculated. All the subjects were classified into nine groups according to the AoH with the 5° interval and within groups variations for each plantar pressure parameters were examined by the One Way ANOVA. Our results show that within group differences of PP, PTIrel and CArel existed at the Hallux, MFF and MF and phenomenon of hallux off-load and MFF and MF over-load was observed. Overall, lateral shift of the hallux changed the pressure pattern at MFF and MF and the pressure rising at those two areas could hamper the normal development of the foot arch in both longitudinal and transverse. Therefore, straight and wider footwear should be recommended to children's parents.