Effect of knee osteoarthritis on plantar pressure distribution pattern and timing of stance sub-phases in elderly females

Knee osteoarthritis is one of the most common diseases affecting walking mechanics. The aim of this study was to compare plantar pressure distribution patterns between elderly women with and without knee osteoarthritis. 36 elderly women 60 years and older participated in this study and entered into two groups of osteoarthritis and healthy. Peak plantar pressure and timing of sub-phases of stance during walking in self-selected speed was measured. The results showed that peak plantar pressure in hallux and medial heel was lower while in midfoot and fourth metatarsal was higher in the osteoarthritis group. Also, this group showed lesser relative time in initial contact phase and forefoot contact phase and higher relative time in forefoot flat phase. Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that osteoarthritis elderly females exhibit different plantar pressure distribution patterns relative to healthy elderly females.