GAIT CHARACTERISTICS AND PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION FOR BAREFOOT AND VARIOUS HEEL.HEIGHT SHOES DURING WALKING

Abstract

This study was to identify changes in pressure distribution and temporal gait characteristics in barefoot, rubber-soled flat shoe (0 cm heel heights), 4.5 cm high-heeled pumps and 9 cm high-heeled pumps during normal walking. Using the Novel Pedar in-shoe system, data was collected over 30 steps for both right and 'left foot. Comparing MP (Maximum pressure) and MV (mean value) in eight masks (GT, OT, MM, MidM, LM, MA, LA and Heel) of the foot during walking in barefoot and various heel heights. We concluded that: (1) characteristics of pressure distribution in rubber-soled flat were similar to the barefoot in both left and right. (2) The bearing area of insole decreased with the heel height increasing, pressure at GT, MM and MidM increased significantly with the increasing of heel height, while LM and Heel decreased. (3) Pressure distribution of left and right foot was identical but not the temporal gait.