An overview of plantar pressure distribution measurements and its applications in health and medicine

Background: Measuring plantar pressure distribution is critical for understanding foot-ground interactions, providing valuable insights for diagnosing and managing various health conditions. Since its initial studies in 1984, this field has garnered increasing attention within healthcare and medicine due to its broad applications across clinical settings. Research Question: How does measuring plantar pressure distribution affect healthcare outcomes across different age groups and health conditions? Methods: This review thoroughly explores the literature concerning plantar pressure distribution, focusing on studies conducted from 1984 onwards. It investigates the methodologies and clinical applications associated with plantar pressure measurement, tracing the evolution of research and practice in this field. Results: The review identifies and classifies key methods used to measure plantar pressure distribution, emphasizing their application in clinical and research contexts. It highlights the considerable influence these measurements have on the diagnosis and management of various health conditions across all age groups and demonstrates the practical benefits of plantar pressure analysis in improving diagnostic accuracy and informing more tailored treatment plans. Significance: Understanding plantar pressure distribution is crucial for advancing healthcare practices, particularly in diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. This review underscores the clinical importance of plantar pressure measurement, illustrating its value in improving patient outcomes and contributing to broader medical research. The findings aim to assist healthcare professionals, researchers, and clinicians in effectively leveraging plantar pressure data to optimize healthcare delivery and patient care.