INFLUENCE OF SENSORY INPUT ON PLANTAR PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION

The sensory feedback control system plays a central role in human loco motion. However, few studies have been published discussing the influe nce of sensory input at the plantar surface of the foot on the kinemat ics and kinetics of locomotion, The purpose of this study was to exami ne the effect of changes in sensory input at the plantar surface of th e foot on the pressure distribution measured at the plantar surface of the foot. Three pairs of specially made socks with sand at the planta r surface of the foot and one pair of normal socks were used to simula te different sensory inputs. Pressure distribution at the plantar surf ace of the foot was measured using an EMED system for 10 subjects for each of the four sensory input conditions during walking and running o n a treadmill. The results showed significant and substantial changes in pressure in selected areas for changes in sensory input. The pressu re increased in the midfoot area and decreased in the toe area with in creasing sensory inputs. These results are similar to results of a pre vious study where similar changes were found in a comparison between c omfortable and uncomfortable shoes. Relevance Pressure distribution is increasingly used in clinical assessments. However, the factors influ encing the pressure distribution pattern are only partially understood . One factor may be the sensory input into the foot. It is important t o understand this influence in order to provide appropriate interpreta tion of the pressure distribution data.