[Plantar pressure measurement in children and youths during sports activities].

The aim of this study was to consider whether changes occur in the foot area while under repeated physical stress and if they are age related. In addition it interests what consequences this might have in regard to proper shoe wear. The subjects for this study consisted of 15 children and youths aged between 4 and 16 years. The plantar pressure distribution and vertical ground reaction forces were measured before and after physical exercise. The subjects first ran a given distance wearing sport shoes, had a rest and then ran the same distance barefoot. The results showed marked age related differences after exercise. The pressure values were increased in all of the youths in the middle foot region. In comparison young children always exhibited an unbound gait pattern without any dynamic foot roll during heel strike or toe-off. The forefoot had ground contact from the beginning of the stance phase. To compensate for the lack of dynamic foot roll it is recommended that children wear a shoe with a soft sole and with sufficient space for toe movement. The sports shoe for youths should grip the heel and support the longitudinal arch to prevent an incorrect weight distribution.