A study on the plantar pressure distribution in obese children: effects of an intervention program

Abstract

The obesity condition is associated with risks to structural and functional integrity of the lower limbs. Plantar pressure measure is an important tool to evaluate these risks. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of a multidisciplinary intervention program on the plantar pressure distributions in obese children. Twenty children aged 9 to 11 years were divided into two groups (experimental group and control group). The data were collected before and after a three month intervention period. The evaluations included plantar pressure variables under six areas of the foot during standing and walking using the Pedar system (Novel, GMbH). The results revealed that the body mass presented low correlations with the plantar pressures, what can partially explain the lack of effect of this intervention program on the selected variables. It is speculated, however, that changes on the plantar pressure distribution begin under the midfoot region. Thus, intervention programs associated with training of the static and dynamic foot function are recommended, in order to promote important modifications in the plantar pressure behavior and, consequently, to prevent damage to the obese children's feet.