Investigation of Plantar Pressure Distribution in Overweight and Obese Individuals

Objective: The increase in the incidence and prevalence of orthopaedic foot diseases may be related to changes in the plantar pressure distribution in overweight/obese individuals. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to investigate the plantar pressure distribution in overweight/obese individuals. Methods: The study included a total of 94 individuals between the ages of 19 and 62 years. Individuals were divided to two groups according to body mass index (BMI) as normal weight (BMI<25 kg/m(2)) and overweight/obese (BMI >= 25 kg/m(2)). Static plantar pressure distribution and force measurement were assessed using MatScan System (Tekscan, Inc., South Boston, Massachusetts, USA). Results: The total contact area (p<0.001) and midfoot maximum force (p<0.001) increased in overweight/obese individuals compared to normal weight individuals. Weight of individuals had a low correlation with peak pressure (r=0.23, p=0.026), mean pressure (r=0.24, p=0.018), midfoot maximum force (r=0.35, p=0.001) and metatars maximum force (r=0.36, p<0.001), and a moderate correlation with heel maximum force (r=0.47, p<0.001), and a strong correlation with contact area (r=0.79, p<0.001). Conclusion: Obtained results show that total contact area and midfoot maximum force in overweight/obese individuals increased compared to normal weight individuals.