Normative values of plantar pressure: A literature review

Pressure–measurement distribution (PPD) technology is being increasingly used by physical therapist, podiatric physicians and surgeons in both clinical practice and research. Plantar pressure was recently proposed as a strong predictor of adverse outcomes. Few reviews have been conducted to identify a standard for the plantar pressure in healthy, older people, children.

The aims of this study were to explore currently available Normative Values of Static-Dynamic plantar pressure and its cut-off values.

The SCOPUS®, Google scholar, Rehabilitation, MEDLINE, EBSCO, PEDRO and PubMed electronic databases were systematically searched from January 2000 to December 2019. Data was collected, including Information concerning first author, year, country, age, gender, sample size, population, type of instrument used, type of plantar pressure distribution, normative data and cut-off values were extracted from all article using a standardized template.

In literature review, the researchers selected 9 studies and in all studies they were selected different area of foot for normative values. Area selected for PPD were Forefoot, Hallux, Big toe, second toe, third through fifth toes, toes 2–5, Metatarsal 1–5, lateral forefoot, Middle forefoot, medial forefoot, mid-foot, lateral mid-foot, medial forefoot, lateral area of the heel, medial area of the heel, heel, Right foot total, left foot total, Right + Left total.

This systematic review provides a normative range for the PPD in healthy people. This reference range can be used as a screening tool, outcome measure and to evaluate the healthy people as well as compare the condition specific population. To provide a more comprehensive set of PPD reference values, future research is needed to take the PPD with other variables (Age, Gender, BMI, Type of foot pathology etc.) into consideration. The normative value for the PPD in healthy individual substantially from studies in different countries. Countries that did not establish normative values for the PPD should be encouraged to do so because it would help their clinicians and researchers have a more precise interpretation of the test.