Timing of peak planter pressure during the stance phase of walking - A study of patients with diabetes mellitus and transmetatarsal amputation

High plantar pressures contribute to skin breakdown in patients with diabet es mellitus and peripheral neuropathy. The primary purpose of this study wa s to determine the point during the stance phase of walking that correspond s with forefoot peak plantar pressures. Results indicate that peak plantar pressures occurred at 80% +/- 5% of the stance phase of gait in subjects wi th diabetes and transmetatarsal amputation, as well as in control subjects. Improved methods of footwear design or walking strategies proposed to pati ents should focus on the demands of the foot during the late stance phase o f walking in order to increase available weightbearing area or to decrease forces, which will minimize plantar pressures and reduce trauma to the neur opathic foot.