Plantar pressure characteristics during stair climbing and descent

Abstract

Plantar pressures were measured during level and stair walking activities using a Holter-type, microprocessor-based, portable in-shoe data acquisition system. Comparisons of level walking to stair climbing peak plantar pressures from seven adult male subjects show significant increases at lateral forefoot sensor sites and significant decreases at all other sensor locations. Maximum rates of pressure change were determined and showed significant increases at nearly all locations during stair descent, with the exception of the heel.