Differences in Centre of Pressure Trajectory between Normal and Steppage Gait

Background: This pilot study aimed to assess the differences in centre of pressure trajectory in neuropathic patients with steppage gait. Steppage gait was previously evaluated by several biomechanical methods, but plantar pressure distribution has been much less studied. Our purpose was to analyze the changes in centre of pressure trajectory using a force plate. Methods: The steppage gait group was selected from the patients using drop foot brace (25 male) and the control group was selected from Isfahan university students (20 male). They walked at self-selected at a mean of ten trials (+2) to collect the centre of pressure using a force plate. Centre of pressure patterns were categorized into four patterns based on the centre of pressure displacement magnitude (spatial features) through time (temporal features) when the longitudinal axis of the insole was plotted as the Y-axis and the transverse axis of the insole as X-axis during stance phase. Results: The result of this research indicated that the horizontal angle measured from centre of pressure linear regression in control group is positive (4.6± 2.4) (p<0.005) but in patients group is negative (-2.3±1.6) (p<0.005). Conclusions: The finding of this research measured centre of pressure trajectory in steppage gait over time which is useful for designing better shoe sole and also orthopaedic device and better understanding of stability in patients with drop foot.