Static Plantar Pressure Distribution Measured Using PodoPrint Aluminum Platform in Multiple Sclerosis Patients: A Case–Control Study

TL;DR

This study found that people with multiple sclerosis have lower plantar pressure in their feet compared to healthy individuals, suggesting possible gait and balance issues.

Contribution

The study introduces new evidence on altered plantar pressure patterns in MS patients using the PodoPrint Aluminum platform.

Findings

MS patients showed significantly lower maximum peak pressures in both feet compared to controls.

Reduced plantar pressure in MS patients may indicate altered gait and balance issues.

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex early‐onset neurological disorder with significant functional implications. Neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration are the primary pathological processes underlying MS, both of which may alter lower limb loading patterns. These alterations can be evaluated through static plantar pressure distribution. This study hypothesized that patients with MS would exhibit higher static plantar pressures compared to healthy controls.

A multicenter case‐control study was conducted with 88 participants, comprising 44 patients diagnosed with MS and 44 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls. Static plantar pressures were assessed using the PodoPrint Aluminum pressure platform.

The MS group demonstrated significantly lower maximum peak pressure values in both the right foot (p < 0.007) and the left foot (p < 0.001) compared to the control group.

A marked reduction in maximum peak pressures and weight‐bearing capacity was observed in patients with MS may have reduced plantar pressure, which could be indicative of altered gait patterns and balance issues.