[The tripod support of the foot. An analysis of pressure distribution under static and dynamic loading]

A "tripod" loading of the human foot, as it is mentioned in some textbooks, was not found in a pressure distribution study with 111 adults. For bipedal standing as well as walking peak pressures beneath the 3rd metatarsal head were substantially higher than under the metatarsal heads I and V. Correlation analyses demonstrated that the pressure distribution during standing reveals only little information about the dynamic loads under the foot during gait. Gender differences in the load bearing behavior of the foot as well as significant correlations of peak pressures towards body weight and foot contact area were found.