Normative data for the dynamic pedobarographic profiles of children

In order to establish the clinical utility of pedobarography in the treatment of childhood foot pathology, a reliable set of pedobarograph data describing non-pathologic feet is required. The purpose of this study was to describe the pedobarographic profiles of normal children across all ages, with specific focus on young children and explore age-related differences in foot pressure patterns. The Tekscan HR Mat™ pressure measurement system was used in a protocol involving a dynamic test at self-selected speed and walking pattern of 146 normal children (age range 1.6–14.9 years). Relative force and timing data were obtained across five foot segments (heel, lateral midfoot, medial midfoot, lateral forefoot, and medial forefoot). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) techniques were applied to determine if there were any age-related differences in foot pressure profiles in children across four a priori pedobarograph variables: % of stance at initiation at the heel, % of stance at initiation at the medial midfoot, maximum % force at the heel, maximum % force at the medial midfoot. Differences in foot pressure profiles were distinguished across three age groups: (1) Group 1: <2 years; (2) Group 2: 2–5 years; and (3) Group 3: >5 years. Age-related differences in initiation patterns, force transmission, and the amount of time spent on each foot segment provide evidence for maturation of children's foot pressure profiles from a flatfoot pattern in the young child to a curvilinear pattern in the older child.