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1

Variability of foot growth in width in relation to length among 3-year-old girls and boys

Puszczałowska-Lizis Ewa, Lizis Sabina, Mikuláková Wiolletta

Acta of Bioengineering and Biomechanics

|

2023

|

Vol. 25, no. 2

79--84

EN

The aim of the study was to analyze the length and width of the feet and the mutual rate of growth of these features in 3-year-old girls and boys classified into age categories taking into account the semi-annual division. Methods: The study covered 800 children (400 girls and 400 boys) aged 3. The CQ-ST podoscope was applied as the research tool. The data were analyzed based on Student’s t-test for independent samples, Mann–Whitney U-test, Wilcoxon test and simple regression. Results: There were statistically significant differences in the width of the right and left feet, for both girls (1st group: p < 0.001; 2nd group: p = 0.006) and boys (1st group: p < 0.001; 2nd group: p < 0.001), in the absence of differences in length. In the regression models created for the results of girls and boys classified into age categories, the coefficients of determination ranged from R2 = 0.24 to R2 = 0.48. Conclusions: The right and left feet of the examined girls and boys are characterized by symmetry in terms of length, while in terms of width, the left feet are larger than the right ones. In girls, the width of the foot increases proportionally by about 67–69% of the length, while in boys, the increase in foot width is 49–61% of the growth in length. In boys classified to the 2nd group, the growth of the foot in width in relation to its lenght in length is smaller than in the 1st group.

2

Contributions of flexor hallucis longus and brevis muscles to isometric toe flexor force production

Rowley Michael, Kurihara Toshiyuki, Ortiz-Weissberg David, Kulig Kornelia

Acta of Bioengineering and Biomechanics

|

2023

|

Vol. 25, no. 1

91--99

EN

Morphological differences between the two primary great toe flexors – flexor hallucis longus (FHL) and flexor hallucis brevis (FHB) – likely drive differences in how these muscles contribute to functional toe flexor torque production. The aim of the study was to investigate FHL and FHB activation in two isometric toe flexion tasks – one called a “toe-pushing” task with the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints dorsiflexed and the interphalangeal (IP) joints in neutral and another called a “toe-gripping” task with the MTP joints in neutral and flexed IP joints. Methods: Twenty participants’ FHL and FHB muscles were instrumented with intramuscular electromyography electrodes. Muscle activation was normalized to a maximum voluntary contraction and compared between the two isometric toe flexor force production tasks. Results: Overall, participants utilized these two toe flexors completely differently in the two tasks. In the toe-gripping task, the FHL was activated to a much greater extent than the FHB. In fact, 18 our of 20 participants activated FHL at more than 70% maximum voluntary contraction and half of participants activated FHB at less than 10%. In contrast, muscle activation during the toe-pushing task appeared more reliant on the FHB for most participants. Conclusions: Different contributions from the FHL and FHB to toe flexor force production in these two tasks are potentially driven by differences in muscle functional length among other factors. These findings help to inform the selection of rehabilitation and training exercises meant to preferentially target intrinsic or extrinsic foot musculature.

3

Preliminary data on foot parameters of Polish boys aged 1-11

Piotrowska Katarzyna, Gajewski Robert, Janocha Małgorzata, Kwiecień Joanna

Technologia i Jakość Wyrobów

|

2022

|

R. 67

64--80

PL

Wymiary stóp dzieci zależą od płci i wieku. Jednak, ze względu na trend sekularny, a także zmiany demograficzne, wymiary stóp mogą ulec zmianie. W latach 2007-13 IPS przeprowadził pomiary antropometryczne w galeriach handlowych, w miastach Polski. Projekt Akademia Zdrowej Stopy został zrealizowany dzięki inicjatywie firmy BARTEK i jej wsparciu finansowemu. Przebadano 4996 chłopców w wieku 1-11 lat. Zmierzono 7 parametrów mających decydujący wpływ na wymiary kopyt i obuwia. Równolegle wykonano plantogramy, w których wyznaczono kąt Clarke'a oraz kąty alfa, beta i gamma służące jako wskaźniki kształtu stopy.

EN

It is an obvious fact, that dimensions of children’s feet depend on gender and age. However, due to the secular trend, as well as demographical changes the dimensional parameters of the feet may change. In years 2007-13 IPS carried out anthropometric measurements in malls in cities of Poland. The project called The healthy Foot Academy was realized thanks to the initiative of BARTEK company and its financial support. 4996 boys aged 1-11 were examined. 7 parameters, having a decisive impact on the dimensions of lasts and footwear, were measured. Simultaneously there were made plantograms, in which the Clarke’s angle were determined, as well as α,β,γ angles used as indicators of the foot shape.

4

Roman Snail (Helix pomatia L.) as Bioindicator of Heavy Metals Pollution in Mitrovica Town, Kosovo

Çarkaj Leonora, Selimi Qerim, Ismaili Murtezan, Milaimi Albana Plakiqi

Ecological Engineering & Environmental Technology

|

2022

|

Vol. 23, iss. 3

64--71

EN

Our purpose was to monitor the environmental pollution with heavy metals, such as Pb, Zn, Cu, and Cd, and their accumulation in Roman snails (Helix pomatia L.) and the possibility of Roman using snail as a bioindicator of heavy metal pollution. For analyses, we were taken 22 specimens of roman snails in the Mitrovica town (area with the heavy metal pollution derived from the "Trepça" smelter) and 22 specimens in the Vernica village (control area), in which case is analyzed the concentration of heavy metals: Lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), Zinc (Zn) and Copper (Cu) in the hepatopancreas, foot, and shell of snails. Our results show the high concentration of Pb, Zn, and Cd in the hepatopancreas compared to the other tissues (foot and shell), whereas Cu concentration was higher in the foot of snails from Mitrovica compared to the control group in a significant degree (P < 0.001). We have found a significant (P<0.001) positive correlation between all heavy metals (Pb/Cd; Pb/Cu; Pb/Zn; Cd/Cu; Cd/Zn and Cu/Zn) in the hepatopancreas tissue. In the foot, we have found the negative correlation for Pb/Cd and Pb/Cu and positive for the Pb/Zn; Cd/Cu; Cd/Zn, and Cu/Zn, whereas in the shell the correlation was positive for the Pb/Cd; Pb/Cu and Cd/Cu, and negative for the Pb/Zn; Cd/Zn and Cu/Zn. In the hepatopancreas, the concentration of metals ranged from higher to the lower concentration was: Zn>Cd>Pb>Cu; in the foot: Cu>Zn>Cd>Pb, whereas in the shell: Zn>Cu>Pb>Cd. The Mitrovica town is the area with heavy metals pollution, whereas the Roman snail accumulates relatively high values of these heavy metals and can serve as an indicator organism for pollution with the metals such as Pb, Cd, Zn, and Cu.

5

Classic and indicative methods in the analysis of the foot arch and foot loads in professional folklore dancers on the basis of stabilographic tests

Gorwa Joanna, Nowakowska-Lipiec Katarzyna, Guzik-Kopyto Agata, Wodarski Piotr, Michnik Robert

Acta of Bioengineering and Biomechanics

|

2021

|

Vol. 23, no. 4

53--61

EN

Purpose: The proper shape of the foot determines its proper functioning and efficiency, which is significant as far as dancers are concerned. The aim of the study was to identify the arch of feet based on the Arch Index (AI), ability to maintain balance on the basis of stabilometric parameters and the distribution of loads acting on the feet of professional folk dancers. Methods: The study group was composed of 37 folk dancers and the reference group consisted of 56 healthy adults aged 19–45. Balance measurements were performed using the Zebris FDM-S measurement platform, Romberg test with eyes open. Test results were exported to the Matlab 2019b computing environment. The algorithm developed by the Authors in relation was used to calculate Arch Index for the right and left foot, for each test participant separately. Results: Statistical tests did not reveal statistically relevant differences between stabilometric parameters and loads affecting feet in the reference group and that of the dancers. The statistical tests revealed that the value of the AI differed significantly in the reference group and in the group of professional folk dancers (p = 0.05). The differences were also observed in the group of females (p = 0.003). No statistically relevant differences were observed in relation to the group of males (p = 0.116). The percentage of the feet with high arch in the group of dancers amounted to 26%; 33% of dancers’ feet were classified as the feet with low arch. Conclusions: The feet of professional folk dancers have a statistically more arched foot than the reference group.

6

Distribution of feet pressure on ground and maintaining body balance among 8–10-year-old children with and without external load application

Jaszczur-Nowicki Jarosław, Bukowska Joanna M., Kruczkowski Dariusz, Pieniążek Magdalena, Mańko Grzegorz, Spieszny Michał

Acta of Bioengineering and Biomechanics

|

2020

|

Vol. 22, no. 4

93--99

EN

The aim of this study was to analyse the impact of applying an external load on the distribution of pressure on the plantar side of the foot and maintaining body balance, using the podobarographic platform. Methods: The study was conducted on 130 school children aged 8–10: girls (n = 68, body mass = 22.8 ± 6.0 kg, body height = 129.3 ± 7.5 cm) and boys (n = 62, body mass = 31.1 ± 6.5 kg, body height 134.4 ± 7.3 cm). The study involved 2 trials. At first, children stood on the platform assuming a natural position. Then, they put on a 5-kg backpack and stood on the platform once more. Results: The results indicate that after backpack loading, for the total research group of girls and boys, statistically significant differences were found in the distribution of foot force on the ground in the left forefoot ( p = 0.008), metatarsus ( p = 0.000) and heel areas ( p = 0.002). While in the right foot, these differences were noted for the forefoot ( p = 0.024) and metatarsus ( p = 0.000). The results of balance testing were also statistically significant. They concerned measurements of the body barycentre area (cop-bars p = 0.003), the barycentre area of the left foot (l-bars p = 0.034) and the parameter comparing distance to surface ratio (cop-lsf p = 0.000). Conclusions: It may be concluded that prolonged overloading with backpacks affects movement patterns, which may further lead to the acquisition and consolidation of postural defects.

7

Determination of Energy Absorption on Seat Regions of Footwear for the Obese

Mathivanan Selvaraj, Mohan Ranganathan, Balachander Palanisami

Fibres & Textiles in Eastern Europe

|

2019

|

Vol. 27, no. 4 (136)

76--80

EN

Ideal footwear with a design configuration is necessitated as a tool of rehabilitation to render therapeutic benefits, especially for obese individuals who are experiencing greater risk during locomotion. Energy absorption is found to depend on variables like heel height, slope angle and load exerted by the body mass index. Statistical analysis was carried out to formulate a predictive equation for absorbed energy. It was found that a heel height of 30 mm offers an optimum base for further design of footwear. A coefficient of determination (R2) with a value of 0.933 indicates that the model fits the experimental data nicely. Hence, 30 mm 20 degree is suggested for designing ideal footwear as it enables load dissipation and energy absorption to render foot-comfort benefits and advantages to the user.

PL

Zaprojektowanie idelanego obuwia jest niezbędne jako skuteczne narzędzie rehabilitacji osób otyłych. Stwierdzono, że absorpcja energii w obuwiu zależy od zmiennych, takich jak: wysokość pięty, kąt nachylenia oraz obciążenie wywierane przez wskaźnik masy ciała. Przeprowadzono analizę statystyczną, aby sformułować równanie predykcyjne dla pochłoniętej energii. Stwierdzono, że wysokość obcasa 30 mm stanowi optymalną podstawę do dalszego projektowania obuwia. Współczynnik determinacji (R2) o wartości 0,933 wskazuje, że model pasuje do danych eksperymentalnych. Stwierdzono, że 30 mm wysokości obcasa i kąt nachylenia 20 stopni są optymalne do zaprojektowania idealnego obuwia. Dobór takich parametrów umożliwia dobre rozpraszanie obciążenia i pochłanianie energii zapewniając tym samym komfort użytkowania.

8

Analiza przestrzeni roboczej układu więzadeł stawu skokowego górnego w płaszczyźnie strzałkowej i czołowej - badania wstępne

Mazur Marta, Ciszkiewicz Adam

Aktualne Problemy Biomechaniki

|

2019

|

z. 17

77--84

PL

Celem pracy była analiza przestrzeni roboczej układu więzadeł stawu skokowego górnego. Na potrzeby badań przygotowano trójwymiarowy model wieloczłonowy górnego stawu skokowego, który zawierał dwa ciała sztywne: nieruchomą goleń i kości stopy. Ciała te połączone były ze sobą układem trójwymiarowych cięgien, które zastępowały więzadła. Przestrzeń roboczą stawu wyznaczono poprzez iteracyjną zmianę położenia kości stopy. Na podstawie otrzymanych wyników stwierdzono, że przestrzeń robocza górnego stawu skokowego zdeterminowana jest głównie przez geometrię więzadeł położonych po jego bocznej stronie.

EN

The aim of this study was to analyze the workspace of a ligament system of an upper ankle joint. To facilitate this research, a spatial multibody model of an upper ankle joint was prepared. The model contained two rigid bodies corresponding to the lower leg and the foot. The bodies were connected by a system of three-dimensional cables representing the ligaments. The workspace was computed by iteratively modifying the location of the foot. The obtained results suggest that the workspace of the upper ankle joint is mostly determined by the geometry of the ligaments located on its medial side.

9

Assessment of distribution of plantar pressures and foot characteristics during walking in pregnant women

Mikeska Ondřej, Gimunová Marta, Zvonař Martin

Acta of Bioengineering and Biomechanics

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2019

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Vol. 21, no. 3

49--56

EN

The main purpose of this research was to analyse the distribution of plantar pressures and foot characteristics during walking between weeks 27 and 36 of pregnancy. The secondary purpose was to test the effect of the customized orthopaedic shoes that were worn by the experimental group. Methods: Pregnant women (n = 73) were divided into 2 groups, control group (n = 38) and experimental group (n = 35) which completed 5 gait trials on a walkway (1.55m) at a self-selected velocity of gait, where force, pressure and remaining foot characteristics were sampled and displayed by Novel database pro m (version 25.3.24). Results: Analysis of foot characteristics did not reveal important changes. Analysis of the distribution of plantar pressures revealed few changes in the pre- and post-measurement of the experimental and control groups between weeks 27 and 36 of pregnancy. In the last measurement, there is a significant increase of peak pressure only in the midfoot area of the left foot (151.1 ± 41.2 kPa) and in the hindfoot area of the right foot (346.3 ± 104.1) of the experimental group. The control group exhibits similar pressure development for both of foot. Conclusions: Monitored parameters demonstrated in certain areas notably development of force and contact area. Results of foot characteristics did not reveal a significant changes. As both groups registered similar values in certain areas in a comparison of pre/post measurement characteristics, the influence of specific orthopaedic shoes cannot be conclusively demonstrated in the experimental group.

10

Foot model for tracking temperature of safety boot insoles: application to different insole materials in firefighter boots

Garcia-Hernandez C., Sanchez-Alvarez E. J., Huertas-Talon J.-L.

International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics

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2016

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Vol. 22, No. 1

12--19

EN

This research is based on the development of a human foot model to study the temperature conditions of a foot bottom surface under extreme external conditions. This foot model is made by combining different manufacturing techniques to enable the simulation of bones and tissues, allowing the placement of sensors on its surface to track the temperature values of different points inside a shoe. These sensors let researchers capture valuable data during a defined period of time, making it possible to compare the features of different safety boots, socks or soles, among others. In this case, it has been applied to compare different plantar insole materials, placed into safety boots on a high-temperature surface.

11

Effects of unstable elements with different hardness on lower limb loading

Li F., Mei Q., Gu Y.

Acta of Bioengineering and Biomechanics

|

2015

|

Vol. 17, no. 2

85--92

EN

Purpose: Osteoarthritis of the knee is one of the most common diseases. For this chronic disease, modified footwear structure can effectively prevent and relieve disease of the knee. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of shoe surface elastic modulus on external knee adduction moment and ground reaction force and foot loading characteristics. Methods: Sixteen healthy female volunteers were recruited, and each subject performed five walking trials under two shoes condition. The lower limb loading data was collected using force platform and in-sole pressure measurement system. Results: The results showed that the external knee adduction moment was decreased in all stance phase when wearing SS (unstable shoes with soft unstable elements), compared with HS (unstable shoes with hard unstable elements). The ground reaction force showed no obvious change under two shoes condition. Additionally, compared with HS, plantar pressure transferred from medial foot to lateral foot when wearing SS. Along with changes of contact areas, average pressure and impulse had also presented this tendency. Conclusions: These results can provide some scientific evidence and suggestions for footwear companies, and for the foot plantar medial injury disease has also certain applicability.

12

Foot design for a hexapod walking robot

Walas K.

Pomiary Automatyka Robotyka

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2013

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R. 17, nr 2

283-287

EN

This article describes the process of development of the robotic foot for the six-legged walking robot Messor. In order to allow the robot to negotiate uneven surfaces and to walk on a compliant ground, the foot includes the sensing device which provides information on contact forces between the foot and the ground. At first, the foot with single-axis force measurement unit is described. Next, design of the triaxial sensing device is shown. Knowledge gathered during development of the single-axis device was transferred to build a new foot with extended capabilities. In the article description of the manufactured real devices is given.

PL

Niniejszy artykuł opisuje proces rozwoju stopy dla sześcionożnego robota kroczącego Messor. Stopa ma wbudowane urządzenie do pomiaru sił kontaktu między stopą a podłożem. Dane te są wymagane do kroczenia po nierównym i podatnym gruncie. W artykule pokazane zostało jednoosiowe urządzenie pomiarowe. Następnie opisano czujnik trójosiowy bazujący na projekcie czujnika jednoosiowego. Artykuł prezentuje proces projektowania i opis rzeczywistego urządzenia.

13

Projekt urządzenia wspomagającego badania nad regeneracją układu nerwowego u zwierząt laboratoryjnych

Tejszerska D, Słodowski Ł, Gzik M, Szajkowski S

Aktualne Problemy Biomechaniki

|

2010

|

z. 4

255--258

PL

W pracy przedstawione zostały założenia projektowe, projekt oraz opis modelu fizycznego urządzenia służącego do oceny przywracania sprawności receptorów czucia w stopie kończyny szczura. W ramach pracy wykonany został prototyp urządzenia, którego wstępną weryfikację przeprowadzono w warunkach laboratorium Katedry i Zakładu Fizjologii Śląskiego Uniwersytetu Medycznego. Zaprojektowane i wykonane urządzenie jest elementem infrastruktury badawczej wykorzystywanej w badaniach nad regeneracją w ośrodkowym układzie nerwowym O UN.

EN

The paper presents the conceptual design, project and a description of the physical model. The device is used to evaluate the return of superficial sensation in rats. In addition, paper contains a report of the first studies with using a prototype conducted in laboratory conditions.

14

Budowa morfologiczna oraz charakterystyka stóp zawodników dżudo

Andrzejewska J., Burdukiewicz A., Chromik K., Pietraszewska J., Stachoń A.

Acta Bio-Optica et Informatica Medica. Inżynieria Biomedyczna

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2010

|

Vol. 16, nr 1

21-24

PL

W pracy poddano analizie budowę morfologiczną oraz charakterystykę stóp zawodników uprawiających dżudo. Do opracowania wykorzystano pomiary antropometryczne 58 mężczyzn. Budowę ciała oceniono, za pomocą typologii Williama Sheldona oraz wskaźnika względnej masy ciała BMI (wskaźnik masy ciała). Posługując się podosla)pem, wyznaczono Itąty Alfe, Beta, Clarice'a i Gamma, charakteryzujące wybrane parametry stóp.

EN

The analysis of morphological structure and characteristics of judo contestants' feet, was carried out. The anthropometric data of 58 men were collected. The body build was evaluated on the basis of William Sheldon typology and the body mass index (BMI). The podoscope was used to determine Alfa, Beta, Clarice's, and Gamma angles that characterize the specific feet parameters.

15

Antropomretria stopy płasko-koślawej

Pauk J., Derlatka M.

Modelowanie Inżynierskie

|

2009

|

T. 7, nr 38

153-159

PL

W pracy przedstawiono charakterystykę 20 dzieci ze stopą prawidłową i 60 dzieci ze stopą płasko-koślawą. Osobom badanym wykonano pomiary antropometryczne oraz przeprowadzono ocenę ortopedyczną połączoną z badaniem rentgenowskim stopy. Badaniami objęto dzieci z północno-wschodniej Polski w wieku 8-14 lat.

EN

An anthropometric data are usually include: length, height, strength and circles of human body. The evaluation was carried out on 60 pupils with flat feet taken from a total population of 250 primary schoolchildren. The sample group was between the ages of 8-14 years from province Podlasie. The children were divided into groups: typical children and children with flat feet. The anthropometric data were made for 60 children with flat feet and 20 typical children. We observed, that the proportion between the length of foot and the distance change with age.

16

Analiza rozkładu nacisków pod stopą podczas chodu człowieka

Pauk J., Ihnatouski M.

Modelowanie Inżynierskie

|

2009

|

T. 7, nr 38

161-165

PL

W pracy przedstawiono charakterystykę 20 dzieci ze stopą prawidłową i 60 dzieci ze stopą płasko-koślawą. Osobom badanym wykonano pomiary rozkładu ciśnienia pod stopą za pomocą systemu baropodometrycznego. Badaniami objęto dzieci z Grodna (Białoruś) i Podlasia w wieku 8-15 lat.

EN

The aim of our study was to estimate underfoot pressure distribution in typical subject, and patients with flat feet. The measurement was taken for 105 children aged between 8-15 years. The pedobarographic system with shoe insoles was used for this measurement. Foot pressure distribution was measured during walking at individual normal walking speed. Time-series pressure measurements for all sensors were grouped into five anatomical areas. Foot pressure distribution was highly significantly different between areas in typical subjects and patients with flat feet.

17

Geneza pomiarów - antyczne jednostki miar i wag

Wollek A.

Przegląd Elektrotechniczny

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2008

|

R. 84, nr 12

318-322

PL

Jakie były początki mierzenia? Jakich miar używano przed wiekami? Kto je wymyślił i dlaczego? W swoim artykule autor postara się znaleźć odpowiedzi na te pytania.

EN

What was the beginning of the measure? What kind of measuring units were before centuries? Who has used it as the first? The author is trying to find answers to those questions.

18

Analiza sił reakcji podłoża u dzieci ze stopą płasko-koślawą

Derlatka M., Pauk J.

Modelowanie Inżynierskie

|

2008

|

T. 5, nr 36

49-54

PL

W pracy przedstawiono analizę sił reakcji podłoża u dzieci w wieku 8-13 lat ze stopą płasko-koślawą. Na podstawie typowych wartości ekstremalnych występujących w przebiegach poszczególnych składowych sił reakcji podłoża oraz dwóch własnych parametrów przeprowadzono analizę statystyczną (test t-studenta) chodu człowieka. Uzyskane wyniki wskazują na występowanie statystycznie istotnych różnic w przypadku obu grup. Stwierdzono, że analiza sił reakcji może by uzupełnieniem stosowanych obecnie metod wykrywania stopy płasko-koślawej oraz śledzenia postępów rehabilitacji.

EN

The ground reaction forces for children in the age of 8-13 with pes plano-valgus has been shown in the paper. The statistic analysis (t-test) has been made based on typical extreme values in components of all ground reaction forces and two own additional parameters. Obtained results show that there is significant statistical difference in both groups of subjects (with pes plano-valgus and control group). Conclusion is that analysis of ground reaction forces could be an useful an useful supplement of used recently methods.

19

Projekt elektronicznego toru pomiarowego stanowiska do badania sklepienia łuku stopy

Łagan S., Niesułowski A.

Aktualne Problemy Biomechaniki

|

2008

|

z. 2

93--98

PL

Praca jest poświęcona problemowi pozyskania i archiwizacji danych, podczas badania luku stopy na stanowisku, skonstruowanym i wykonanym w Katedrze Mechaniki Doświadczalnej i Biomechaniki Politechniki Krakowskiej. Urządzenie powstaje w celu sprawdzenia i potwierdzenia możliwości zastosowania w pomocniczej diagnostyce wad stóp i protetyce. Projekt jest próbą automatyzacji pomiaru, przez wprowadzenie elektronicznego toru pomiarowego opartego na mikrokontrolerach oraz aplikacji otrzymanych wyników do programów inżynierskich typu CAD/CAM.

EN

Paper is dedicated to the problem of gain over and archive data, during scanning foot bow on equipment designed and built in the Department of Experimental Mechanics and Biomechanics Technical University of Cracow. Device development is aimed to verification and confirmation of application as auxiliary foot diseases test method and prosthetics. Project is a trial of automation of measurement by implementation of electronic measuring route leaning on microcontrollers and results application into CAD/CAM software.

20

Contribution of plantar pressure to the prevention and quantification of the muscle-skeletal injury risk in hiking trails - a pilot study

Gabriel R., Monteiro M., Moreira H., Maia M.

Acta of Bioengineering and Biomechanics

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2008

|

Vol. 10, nr 3

51-54

EN

Hiking trails have been growing in popularity in the health and well-being promotion. Consequently, the foot became an object of study in order to understand the discomfort and pain in the lower limb. The aims of the work were: 1) to detect tendencies for behaviour of maximum values of plantar pressure (MaxP) during the walk on different slopes, 2) to contribute to the methodology of the difficulty level of hiking trails. Equations show strong tendencies (R2 > 0.8) of behaviour of MaxP in the lateral zones of the heel, 4th and 5th metatarsus as well as in the plantar zone of the hallux. The analysis of the difficulty level of the hiking trails branches deserves a separate presentation, including the technical difficulty analysis (with a compulsory emphasis on the biomechanics) and information on the caloric consumption and on the slopes of each branch.