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Published on: August 25, 2020
Effects of obesity on dynamic plantar pressure distribution in Chinese prepubescent children during walking
Song-hua Yan1, Kuan Zhang, Gou-qing Tan
1School of Biomedical Engineering, Capital Medical University, No. 10 Xi Tou Tiao, You An Men Wai, Fengtai District, Beijing 100069, PR China. yansh74@ccmu.edu.cn
Insights
Obese children exhibit altered walking patterns, including reduced stability and flatter feet. Their dynamic plantar pressure distribution differs significantly from non-obese peers, indicating potential gait issues.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Pediatric Obesity
- Gait Analysis
Background:
- Childhood obesity is a growing public health concern.
- Obesity can impact musculoskeletal development and function.
- Understanding gait alterations in obese children is crucial for early intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of obesity on dynamic plantar pressure distribution during walking in prepubescent children.
- To compare gait parameters between obese and non-obese prepubescent children.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a Footscan(®) plantar pressure plate system to collect gait data.
- Compared 50 obese and 50 non-obese prepubescent children walking barefoot at preferred speed.
- Employed SPSS 11.5 for statistical analysis with significance defined as p<0.05.
Main Results:
- Obese children showed longer midstance and shorter propulsion durations.
- Significantly higher peak pressures and time to peak pressures were observed in obese children across various foot regions.
- Obese subjects exhibited larger arch index, foot axis angle, and altered foot balance and pronation patterns.
Conclusions:
- Obese children demonstrate weaker walking stability, flatter foot patterns, and larger foot axis angles.
- Dynamic plantar pressure distribution is significantly altered in obese prepubescent children compared to their non-obese counterparts.
- Findings suggest potential biomechanical adaptations and risks associated with obesity in childhood gait.
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of obesity on dynamic plantar pressure distribution during walking for prepubescent children. A footscan(®) plantar pressure plate system was used to collect the gait data. Fifty obese prepubescent children and fifty non-obese prepubescent children walked across the plate at preferred speed while barefoot. SPSS11.5 was used for analysis and significance is defined as p<0.05. Obese subjects had longer midstance duration (p=0.004) and shorter propulsion duration (p=0.047) compared to non-obese subjects. The peak pressures under the metatarsal heads II-V, midfoot and heel lateral (p=0.004, p=0.03, p=0.004) were significantly higher for obese subjects. The time to peak pressures under the toes II-V, the metatarsal heads IV, V and midfoot (p=0.008, p=0.009, p=0.01, p=0.006), and pressure rate under the heel medial and lateral heel (p=0.03, p=0.009) were also significantly higher. In addition, the arch index for the left foot (p=0.01), the left and right foot axis angle (p=0.027, p=0.03) were significant larger among obese subjects. We also found that obese subjects had significantly higher relative regional impulses of contact with the plate at the midfoot of left foot (p=0.01) and the forefoot of right foot (p=0.047). There were also differences in foot balance during the midstance and propulsion phase (p=0.0004, p=0.03) and in pronation extent during midstance and propulsion phases between left and right foot in the obese group (p=0.03, p=0.01). In conclusion, the obese children have weaker walking stability with flatter foot pattern, the larger foot axis angle and dynamic plantar pressure distribution changes compared to non-obese children.