Pedobarographic analysis of balance in sporting and non-sporting population

S. Shenoy, A. Sathe, P. K. Sathe

Abstract: Objectives: Equal distribution of pressure of the lower limbs and balance are among the factors which determine correct biomechanics of the musculoskeletal system. Pedobarography is an assessment tool that measures foot pressure and quantitatively allows finding the problems and correcting them. The study provided objective data about balance when compared to the non-sporting group with the sporting population. Methods: Pedobarograph was used to evaluate the balance by two testing situations including eyes open (EO) and eyes closed (EC) conditions for 30 seconds Results: It was found that center of pressure parameters differ significantly in eyes open and eyes closed balance conditions in the non-sporting group. Specifically, our results showed a significant increase in path length in the non-sporting population from eyes open to eyes closed condition whereas no significant increase in the path length was observed in the case of the sporting population indicating the contribution of visual input to maintain balance. Significance: It has been demonstrated how sports training enhances proprioceptive control during tasks that challenge balance.

Series on Biomechanics, Vol.34, No.4 (2020), 59-64

Keywords: balance; foot pressure; Pedobarography

Date published: 2020-12-11