Effect of elastic gait training on Foot pressure variables in subjects with low back pain during running

Aims and The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of elastic gait training on the peak plantar pressure variables and peak forces of 10 regions of the foot, peak of vertical force, time to peak of vertical force and displacement of center of pressure in patients with low back pain during running.
The sample of this study included 29 men with low back pain. These subjects were divided into control (n=12) and experimental (n=17) groups. The experimental group did elastic gait training for 6 weeks. Peak plantar pressure variables during both pre and post-test were recorded by a foot scan system (sample rate: 300 Hz).
Findings: In the experimental group, findings demonstrated greater peak force on lateral part of the heel during posttest than in pre-test. Moreover, lower peak pressure in the fourth and fifth metatarsal regions were observed during post-test than in pre-test. In control group, greater peak forces in third metatarsal part, lateral, and medial parts of the heel were observed during post-test compared to pre-test.
Findings of this study demonstrated that elastic gait training did not have any significant effect on stance time. Also, elastic gait training increased peak force in lateral part of the heel and decreased peak pressure in fourth and fifth metatarsal parts.