The trajectory of center of pressure during stance phase of gait in healthy males and females using pedar-X system

Introduction and The trajectory of center of pressure (COP) during the stance phase of gait is considered as an important parameter in assessing of dynamic balance, foot and ankle function and effectiveness of shoe and orthotics. The aim of this study was to determine the COP trajectory during stance phase of gait in healthy males and females, by means of Pedar-X plantar pressure measurement apparatus.
15 healthy adult females who didn’t have any history of injury that altered their normal gait pattern and trajectory of COP, participated in this study. The coordinate of COP in transverse (X) and vertical (Y) axes were measured using Pedar-X system. The stance phase of gait divided into the four sections by key points of acceleration vector in Y direction and then position, velocity and acceleration of COP at these portions were computed. To statically analysis, Descriptive statistic (Mean and standard deviation), Pearson correlation coefficient and ICC coefficient were used (P≤0.05).
The results indicated that during stance phase of gait, COP moves forward and medial in Y and X axes, respectively. Significant, strong but negative correlation seen between COP coordinates in X and Y axes. High Inter Class Correlation also showed between trials reliability for Pedar-X system in estimation of COP coordinates.
The results of this study could be used as a standard norm of trajectory of COP in healthy adult subjects.