The reliability study of pedobarograph in the assessment of dynamic plantar pressure distribution and postural stability among Turkish young adults

Objective: To carry out reliability and consistency study of dynamic plantar pressure measurements using Mat (Tekscan) pedobarograph and mid-gait protocol, in a healthy young population. Material and Method: A total of 86 volunteers (46 males and 46 females) aged between 20-23 years with normal body mass index participated in the study. An 8-meter long platform was constructed in the middle of which HR Mat (Tekscan Inc, Boston, MA, USA) pedobarograph was placed. In compliance with the mid-gait protocol, the participants were asked to walk on the platform at normal walking pace and step on the pedobarograph. This protocol was repeated after a week. Seven-region masking was made using 3 successful data of the right foot and force, contact area (CA), contact pressure (CP) and peak contact pressure (PCP) in each of the regions were measured. Data were entered into SPSS 15.0 statistical package and Intra-session ICC2,1 (absolute agreement) and inter-session ICC2,3 (absolute agreement) correlations were computed. ICC values were interpreted according to Munro's classification such that ICC between 0.26-0.49 indicated poor, 0.5-0.69 indicated moderate, 0.7-0.89 indicated high and 0.9-1.0 indicated very high correlation. Findings: Intra-session ICC values were in the range of 0.709 – 0.983. Lowest value was measured in the first metatarsal region (FrstMTTCP1) during the first session. There were high and very high correlations in all parameters. When the inter-session data were analyzed, ICC values of total area and masked regions varied between 0.810 and 0.985. Lowest correlation was related to heal contact pressure (HeelCP). Conclusion: Dynamic pedobarographic measurements acquired with mid-gait protocol using HR Mat (Tekscan) pedobarograph in healthy male and female volunteers with normal body mass index showed high and very high intra- and inter-session correlations. Results led us to conclude that HR Mat (Tekscan) pedobarograph can be used reliably for research and clinical studies. Key words: Pedobarography, HR Mat, mid-gait, reliability