Frequency Domain Analysis of Ground Reaction Forces in Deaf and Healthy Control People during Running

The frequency domain analysis of ground reaction forces is one of the mechanical parameters that can be distinguished by comparing the differences between healthy and patient groups. The purpose of the current study was to compare the frequency domain analysis of ground reaction forces in deaf and healthy control people during running.

The present study was a quasi-experimental design. A total of 30 male individuals were equally divided into two groups of normal hearing and hearing loss (Deaf group). Peak plantar pressure variables in deaf people and healthy control were recorded using a foot scan system (sample rate: 300 Hz). The multivariate ANOVA test was used to compare the ground reaction force frequency domain data during running in deaf and healthy participants.

The results showed that frequency content with the number of essential harmonies in the Toe area (P= 0.012) and fingers 2 to 5 (P=0.035) in deaf was smaller than that of healthy control group. Also, the frequency content with power of 99.5% in the fourth metatarsal (P=0.038) and fifth metatarsal (P=0.019) in deaf group was greater than that of healthy control ones. Stance time during running was more in deaf group than in healthy control group (P=0.032).

According to the results of the present study, it can be stated that deaf people are likely to be exposed to the damage caused by the ground reaction force frequency domain during running.