Differences in the Foot Pressures Between Gipsy and Urban Boys

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the differences in pressure distribution under the foot between gipsy and urban school boys during standing and walking tasks. Twenty gipsy and twenty urban healthy boys (age 11-12 years) performed two activities (standing on two feet and walking) on a Commex pressure platform system. Relative and maximal pressures were determined for six areas of the foot. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), with anthropometric parameters as covariates, revealed that, for the variables tested, there were significant differences in the static and dynamic measurements. The main differences consisted in higher urban maximal and average static pressures in 2nd - 3 rd metatarsal area and inversely in higher gipsy corresponding pressures in 4th - 5 th metatarsal area.