Normal Pedobarography Values in a Multiracial Community of Malaysia: A Cross-Sectional Study
doi.org/10.5704/MOJ.2511.001
- Author:
Haidar MN
1
;
Che-Ahmad A
1
;
Ayeop MAS
1
;
Ahmad-Ismanii MS
1
;
Nik-Alyani NAA
1
Author Information
1. Department of Orthopaedics, Traumatology and Rehabilitation, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Malaysia
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
foot pressure;
plantar pressure;
pedobarography;
demographic factors;
BMI
- From:Malaysian Orthopaedic Journal
2025;19(No. 3):1-9
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction: While pedobarography is emerging in
Malaysia for foot-related clinical and research use, there are
no published normative foot plantar pressure values. This
study aimed to identify pressure values and areas of
distribution in the normal foot of the multiracial population
in Pahang, Malaysia. The differences by ethnic groups,
gender, and BMI levels were also investigated.
Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional study, 600
normal feet without pre-existing diabetes mellitus and any
lower limb and spine pain were assessed using Emed-q100
pedobarography platform device and EMED/E (Expert)
software from January 2018 to December 2018. The data
were analysed using SPSS, with descriptive statistics for
demographics and foot pressure, Pearson Chi-Square for
associations, t-tests for gender differences, and one-way
ANOVA for comparisons across ethnicity and BMI groups.
Results: The mean maximum peak pressure (MPP) was
measured at 508.98 kPa (SD 164.06) with significant
differences by BMI whereby the score was highest in the
obese (p<0.001). No significant differences by gender and
ethnicity were reported. In terms of peak pressure area
(PPA), most (42.2%) were observed in the first metatarsal
head and big toe region (1MH&T), followed by second
metatarsal head (2MH) (31.5%). For overweight and obese,
PPA mostly distributed in 2MH (34.8% and 50%,
respectively). Significant differences in PPA were also seen
between races. There was no significant difference in the
pressure area distribution by gender.
Conclusion: The MPP is affected by BMI while PPA
distribution is affected by BMI and ethnicity. These findings
can be used as an initial reference for further studies related
to orthopaedic clinical applications, particularly involving
the Malaysian population with various ethnicities and
cultural backgrounds.
- Full text:2026011415321976795normal-pedobarography-values.pdf
