Dynamic characteristics of foot development : a narrative synthesis of plantar pressure data during infancy and childhood

Montagnani, E; Price, C; Nester, CJ; Morrison, SC

Abstract

Purpose: Quantifying plantar pressure throughout childhood enables clinicians to enhance knowledge of typical changes in foot function. This narrative review aims to describe existing research reporting plantar pressure analysis in typically developing infants and children, to advance understanding of foot development. Methods: A narrative approach was adopted; 263 articles were identified and 13 met the inclusion criteria. Results: Plantar pressures during walking rapidly change in infancy and childhood. With development, pressures increasingly resemble those in adults; development of initial heel contact, shift in pressure distribution from medial to lateral foot side, decreasing midfoot pressure magnitude. The literature shows varieties of study designs, data collection protocols and analysis. Conclusion: This review describes plantar pressure changes occurring as walking develops, emphasizing the typical trajectory of foot function development in infancy and childhood. The present findings will help to elucidate the complex biomechanical development of foot function in typically developing infancy and childhood.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jul 5, 2021
• Online Publication Date: Aug 19, 2021
• Publication Date: Oct 1, 2021
• Deposit Date: Jul 6, 2021
• Publicly Available Date: Aug 19, 2022
• Journal: Pediatric Physical Therapy
• Print ISSN: 0898-5669
• Electronic ISSN: 1538-005X
• Publisher: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins
• Volume: 33
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 275-282
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/PEP.0000000000000819
• Publisher URL: https://doi.org/10.1097/PEP.0000000000000819
• Related Public URLs: http://www.pedpt.com/
• Additional Information: Projects : Great Foundations