Differences in center of pressure trajectory between normal and steppage gait

BACKGROUND: This pilot study aimed to assess the differences in center of pressure trajectory in neuropathic patientswith steppage gait. Steppage gait has previously been evaluated by several biomechanical methods, but plantar pressuredistribution has been much less studied. The purpose of this study was to analyze the changes in center of pressure trajectoryusing a force plate.METHODS: The steppage gait group was selected from the patients using drop foot brace (25 male) and the controlgroup was selected from Isfahan university students (20 male). They walked at self-selected speed at a mean of ten trials(+2) to collect the center of pressure using a force plate. Center of pressure patterns were categorized into four patternsbased on the center of pressure displacement magnitude (spatial features) through time (temporal features) whenthe longitudinal axis of the insole was plotted as the Y-axis and the transverse axis of the insole as X-axis during stancephase.RESULTS: The horizontal angle measured from center of pressure linear regression was positive in the control group (4.6± 2.4) (p 0.005), but negative in the patient group (-2.3 ± 1.6) (p 0.005).CONCLUSIONS: The finding of this research measured center of pressure trajectory in steppage gait over time, which isuseful for designing better shoe sole and also orthopaedic device and better understanding of stability in patients withdrop foot.