Figure: Comparison of contact area, peak pressure, and maximum force between 2 orthoses during toe gait (A-C) and heel gait (D-F). *Significant differences between groups.
The choice of an appropriate type of orthosis depends on the patient’s specific condition and needs. Different types of orthoses can affect plantar pressure distribution during certain gait patterns. Toe and heel gaits are common patterns of gait assigned for optimal recovery in patients with foot or ankle injuries. This study aimed to evaluate differences in plantar pressure between postoperative shoes and walker boots during toe and heel gaits in healthy individuals. The researchers hypothesized that differences exist in contact area, peak pressure, and maximum force pattern owing to the characteristics of each orthosis.
A total of 30 healthy individuals with a mean age of 21.7 ± 1.2 years were included in this study. Two types of gaits, toe and heel, were performed while wearing each orthosis on the right foot. A standardized running shoe was worn on the left foot. Plantar pressure variables including contact area, peak pressure, and maximum force were collected using the Pedar-X in-shoe pressure measuring system.
During toe gait, while both orthoses demonstrated similar offloading in the hindfoot areas, walker boots were superior in reducing the peak pressure (first toe, P = 0.003; second to fifth toes, P < 0.001) and contact area (first toe, P = 0.003; second to fifth toes, P = 0.003) in the forefoot areas. During heel gait, both orthoses demonstrated similar offloading in the toe areas; however, the walker boots were superior in reducing the peak pressure in the lateral hindfoot (P < 0.001).
The results of this study can serve as a guideline for orthopedic physicians in prescribing an appropriate type of orthosis during specific types of gait for patients following foot and ankle injury and postoperative recovery.
Source: Kyung MG, Seo HS, Yoon YS, Kim DY, Lee SM, Lee DY. Comparison of in-shoe pedobarographic variables between 2 orthoses during toe and heel gaits. Clin Orthop Surg. 2024;16(6):987-993. doi: 10.4055/cios24106. Use is per Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
