Reduced plantar sensation causes a cautious walking pattern.

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of reduced plantar sensation on gait patterns during walking in 20 healthy subjects (25.9 +/- years, 61.6 +/- 11.5 kg, 178 +/- 9.5 cm) with no history of sensory disorders. Force plate measurements, electromyography (EMG) measurements and a three-dimensional movement analysis were performed simultaneously during barefoot walking before and after reduction of plantar sensation using an ice immersion technique. The results show that reduced plantar sensation leads to significant changes in gait patterns that are present at the ankle, knee and hip joint and indicate a more cautious ground contact and push-off with modified EMG and motion patterns.