Plantar pressure characteristics and gait analysis of outdoor workers

Liu Zixuan; Wei Dehua; Zheng Hailiang; Wang Jiangning; Gao Lei

doi:10.12307/2026.748

Abstract：BACKGROUND:Outdoor workers frequently walk on uneven surfaces,which exposes them to abnormal foot biomechanics and makes them high-risk individuals for plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy. OBJECTIVE:To analyze the plantar pressure distribution and gait characteristics of outdoor workers under natural walking conditions,in order to provide a basis for high-risk foot monitoring and the design of protective footwear. METHODS:This study included 24 outdoor workers as the experimental group and 12 healthy individuals as the control group.Both groups underwent natural gait testing using the PRESSUREPLATE-SCIENTIC pressure plate.The PODOMED gait analysis system was used to collect plantar pressure parameters across the full gait cycle,including peak plantar pressure,foot load distribution ratios,cadence,walking speed,stance phase,swing phase,and center of pressure displacement.Differences between the two groups in terms of plantar pressure and gait parameters were analyzed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared with the control group,the experimental group showed significantly higher peak pressures in the medial heel(left),lateral heel(left),third to fifth metatarsal regions(left),medial heel(right),lateral heel(right),midfoot(right),and first to third metatarsal regions(right)(P<0.05).(2)Compared with the control group,in the experimental group,the forefoot load ratios(left and right)were significantly greater,while the rearfoot load ratios(left and right)were significantly smaller(P<0.05).(3)The experimental group also exhibited higher cadence and walking speed(P<0.05),longer stance phase duration,shorter swing phase duration(P<0.05),and greater anterior-posterior center of pressure displacement on both feet(P<0.05).Given the specific environmental conditions of outdoor workers,targeted attention should be paid to the pressure borne by the heel,forefoot,and arch regions to ensure appropriate foot care and prevent foot disorders.