Static foot pressure image analysis for variation in Men and Women while standing

The purpose of this study was to analyze static foot pressure image to obtain the plantar pressure distribution variation between Men and Women using image processing in frequency domain. Methods: We examined 38 feet of 19 healthy subjects (12 Men and 7 Women) aged between twenty to forty five years was recruited for our study. Foot pressure distribution patterns while standing are obtained by using a portable PedoPowerGraph plantar pressure measurement system for foot image formation, a digital camera for image capturing, a TV tuner PC-add on card, a WinDvr software for still capture and Matlab software with dedicated algorithms have been developed. Various PedoPowerGraphic parameters such as percentage medial impulse (PMI), Forefoot to Hind foot pressure distribution ratio (F/H), Big toe to forefoot pressure distribution ratio and Power ratio were evaluated. Results: In Men, contact area was significantly larger in all regions of the foot compared with Women. There were significant differences in plantar pressure distribution and F/H pressure distribution ratio but there was no significant difference in percentage medial impulse (PMI). Mean PR was significantly greater in Men than Women under the hind foot and fore foot. F/H pressure ratio was greater in Men than Women. As compared to men, women have maximum PR variations in the mid foot. Conclusion: There was variation in plantar pressure distribution because the contact area of the Men foot was larger than that of Women. Hence knowledge of pressure distributions variation of both feet can provide suitable guidelines to biomedical engineers and doctor for designing orthotic devices for reliving the area of excessively high pressure.