Two Simple Plantar Pressure Recording Devices in Clinical Use: Evaluation Using a Pedobarograph

Abstract

A pedobarograph that measures and records plantar pressures has been used to evaluate the possibility of using ‘Shutrak’ as a system to measure pressures under the foot clinically. The Shutrak system is sensitive to pressures of approximately 2.5 kPa, however because of the method of loading, the record cannot be used reliably for standing pressures but can show areas of cumulative contact pressures above 2.5 kPa. Individual areas of high pressure cannot be reliably detected by this system, differentiation between light and dark areas of contact are not discernible, except where the pressures exceed 100 kPa. Plastazote depth impressions have a better sensitivity but care in heating and applying the load is necessary because of the mechanical and thermal characteristics of the material. If these are standardized, Plastozote could be used to quantify areas of high pressure as well as foot shape, but care has to be taken in interpreting data by this method. Both devices used in conjunction with a clinical examination would provide dynamic and static plantar pressure data for diagnostic use and plantar pathology investigation.