Comparison of static footprints and pedobarography in obese and non-obese children.

BACKGROUND

Static footprints have been widely used clinically. However, since this measure provides only indirect information about the medial longitudinal arch height, it is not clear if it can be indicative of dynamic foot function especially in obese children. This study aimed to verify whether static footprints can predict dynamic plantar pressures in obese children.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty children aged 9 to 11 years, divided into obese and non obese, voluntarily participated in this study. Static footprints and dynamic plantar pressures were analyzed by using a pedograph and the Pedar system (Novel GMbH, Munich, GER), respectively.

RESULTS

In general, correlations between static and dynamic measures were observed to be significant for the non obese children, while no significant correlations were found for the obese ones.

CONCLUSION

Since obesity may affect the relationship between static and dynamic measures, footprints should be used with caution when inferring the characteristics of obese children's feet under dynamic conditions.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Footprints and pedobarography should not be used at this time for clinical decision making regarding the feet of obese children.