MODIFICATIONS OF BAROPODOMETRIE
induce by plantar arch stimulation

Marc. Janin

    The baropodometrie allows qualitative and quantitative measures to examine the subject.

    This utilisation as regard the evolution and functional deficits (Autrusson, 2003). Several studies demonstrated the effect resulting from stimulation of the plantar surface (Gaillet, 2004 ; Guldemond, 2006 ; Janin, 2002 ; Janin, 2005 ; Kavounoudias, 2001).      

    In clinical practice, orthotic devices are used to modify the plantar relief and did one’s work with great care for disease (Schabat, 2004).

The aim of this study was to quantify variation of pressure after plantar arch stimulation.

MATERIALS:
13 healthy subjects with right dominant leg (leg preferred for kicking a ball) were selected without disturbance in plantar support. The variation was recorded by a stabilometric platform mixing with baropodometric platform (Fusyo, 2. Medicapteur). Orthotic device selected is a plantar arch support with thickness of 3 mm and 60 schore (Podiser Atlantic). The medial position of CoP and pressure was collected. The haptic sensation of affordance was obtained by questionnaire (Stoffregen, 1999).

PROCEDURE:
Recording was made in an analysis apparatus which was include the platform. The individual was positioned in 30° foot placement. The recording (30s at 40Hz) were performed and the orthotic devices were made randomly under right and left feet. ANOVA and Newman-Keuls test were performed.

RESULTS:
In control condition, the high pressure and CoP position are under the motor leg : leg who kicking (p<0.01). The stimulation of the right foot lead to higher pressure at the same side (p<0.01) and move the CoP on the left (p<0.01). The left stimulation produce displacement of CoP (p<0.05) and medial repartition of pressure of the baropodograms (p<0.05) on the right and accrue the haptic sensation of higher pressure under the left feet (p<0.01).

DISCUSSION:
These results are agree with to those obtained while plantar stimulations relate by literature. The variation of pressure induce by orthotic device has impact on the displacement of CoP and medial repartition of the pressure. The same stimulation not induces identical responses according to the feet motor (leg kicking) or the support feet.
The clinical observations are reinforced by this study.

REFERENCES
Autrusson et al, Encyclopaedia Medico Chirurgical 27-150, 2003.
Gaillet et al, Clinical Biomechanics 19:1066-1069, 2004.
Guldemond et al, J. Am. Podiatr. Med. Assoc. 96-1:9-18, 2006.
Janin Cinésiologie 203:13-14, 2002.
Janin et al, Gait & Posture 21:1.S79, 2005.
Kavounoudias et al, Journal of Physiology 532-3:869-878, 2001.
Schabat et al, European Spine Journal 14:546-550, 2004.
Stoffregen et al, Experimental Journal Psychology 25-1:120-136, 1999.