Variability and repeatability analysis of plantar pressure during gait in older people

Introduction: Repeatability and variability of the plantar pressure during walking are important components in the clinical assessment of the elderly. However, there is a lack of information on the uniformity of plantar pressure patterns in the elderly. Objective: To analyze the repeatability and variability in plantar pressure considering mean, peak and asymmetries during aged gait. Methods: Plantar pressure was monitored in four different days for ten elderly subjects (5 female), with mean +/- standard-deviation age of 73 +/- 6 years, walking barefoot at preferred speed. Data were compared between steps for each day and between different days. Results: Mean and peak plantar pressure values were similar between the different days of evaluation. Asymmetry indexes were similar between the different days evaluated. Conclusion: Plantar pressure presented a consistent pattern in the elderly. However, the asymmetry indexes observed suggest that the elderly are exposed to repetitive asymmetric loading during locomotion. Such result requires further investigation, especially concerning the role of these asymmetries for development of articular injuries. (C) 2015 Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.