Developmental Variations in Plantar Pressure and Center of Pressure Trajectory in Preschoolers During Walking

This study aimed to examine age-related changes in plantar pressure distribution and center of pressure (COP) pathways in typically developing preschool children.The study involved thirty-eight typically developing children aged 1 to 6 years, categorized into three age groups.Foot contact area, pressure, and COP pathway during gait were measured using the F-scan in-shoe system (Tekscan Inc.).The study found a notable reduction in the midfoot to forefoot contact width ratio as age increased (p < 0.05).Additionally, there was a notable reduction in the relative pressure at the medial midfoot as the children aged (p < 0.05).COP analysis revealed a significant increase in the anteroposterior length ratio of COP to total contact length (p < 0.05), whereas the mediolateral width ratio of COP to forefoot contact width tended to decrease.This study utilized the F-scan system to identify characteristics and age-related changes in plantar pressure distribution and COP pathway in preschool children with normal foot structure.Quantitative foot scan data is a valuable resource for evaluating foot pathology in preschool children during walking.