Introduction: About 8–15% of the general population have cavus feet. In previous studies, there are contradictions in plantar pressures of pes cavus, the exact location of pressures, measurement tools, and pressure and force variables. The aim of this study was to compare the maximum pressure, pressure- time integrals and maximum force in ten regions of plantar foot and plantar contact area, between in individuals with pes cavus and health normal feet.
Methodology: 35 subjects (15 cavus feet, 20 normal feet) performed a walking protocol in 12 m walkway with self controlled velocity and normal gait, heel-toe, in barefoot condition. Foot scan (model RSscan) was used to measure the variables related to pressure of participants’ dominant foot. The foot was divided into ten regions: the medial heel, lateral heel, midfoot, 1st to 5th metatarsal, hallux and other toes and pressure variables in each region were evaluated. Independent t-test was used for statistical analysis (P≤0.05).
Results: Pes cavus groups compared with normal groups, showed higher maximum pressure, pressure-time integrals and maximum force, respectively, in the medial heel (24%, 30% and 22%), lateral heel (18%, 35% and 19%), 1st metatarsal (19%, 26% and 14%) and 3th metatarsal (15%, 20% and 15%), also were significantly decreased in the midfoot (30%, 40% and 62%) and plantar contact area 22% .
Discussion: In subjects with pes cavus, showed a reduction in plantar contact area and higher pressure and force under the heel (medial & lateral heel) and metatarsals 1st and 3th, when compared with healthy individuals.