Analysis of Weight Distribution under the Feet using Photoelastic Technique

Ahn, Myun Whan; Ahn, Jong Chul; Kim, Sae Dong; Seo, Jae Sung; Ryoo, Jae Man; Kim, Sang Dong

Abstract

In spite of large volume of reports, surprisingly little information is avail-able about the function of the foot in standing and there are still many controversies about the exact proportion of the weight distributed in discrete areas of the foot. The purpose of this study is to evaluate about the exact proportion of the weight distribution in discrete areas of the foot through the photoelastic technique. In the results of this study according to the 10 regional division method, 4.4% of the total load of one foot was loaded on the toes(1 st toe, 2.2% ;2nd toe, 0.8%; lateral toes, 1.4%), 27.4% on the metatarsal area(lst metatarsal, 6.6%; 2nd metatarsal 8.7% ; lateral metatarsals, 12.5%), 8.6% on the midfoot(medial midfoot, 1.4%; lateral midfoot, 7.3%) and 59.2% on the heel(medial heel, 31.9%; lateral heel, 27.%), respectively. As in other reports, the toes played little role in weight bearing and the midfoot suggested the presence of the longitudinal arch. The metatarsal area received considerable amount of weight but the priority of the first metatarsal area was not demonstrable, rendering the presence of the transverse metatarsal arch doubtful. The heel received more than half of total weight given in one foot(p < 0.005). No significant difference was demonstrable between the dominant side and the nondominant side other than in midfoot.