Effects of floor coverings on measurement of gait and plantar pressure

ObjectivesTo assess different flooring surfaces currently used in sheltered housing, and to record differences in foot pressures using the Musgrave Medical Underplantar Pressure Technology System.DesignExperimental repeated measures design.ParticipantsTen female volunteer subjects (mean age 78.3 years).InterventionsA total of 12 different flooring surfaces were tested and pressure recordings obtained in standardised footwear.Main outcome measuresHeel strike, toe off, time between heel strike and toe off, contact area and maximum load were recorded.ResultsImportant differences in the outcome variables were noted between the surfaces with the most favourable pattern occurring with heavy duty carpet without underlay, with a mean heel strike of 2.1 scans [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.6 to 2.6], a mean toe off of 1.5 scans (95% CI 1.0 to 1.9) and a short mean interval from heel strike to toe off of 1004 milliseconds (95% CI 871 to 1137). This can be compared with a less favourable surface, a bedroom pile with underlay for example, which recorded a mean heel strike of 6.0 scans (95% CI 5.0 to 7.0) with a mean toe off of 7.5 scans (95% CI 5.6 to 9.3) and a mean interval from heel strike to toe off of 1034 milliseconds (95% CI 924 to 1143).ConclusionFloor surfaces have an important influence on gait and are likely to affect walking stability.