Characteristics of the Center of Foot Pressure in Bringing the Feet Together

Abstract

[Purpose] We investigated the relationship between locus of the center of foot pressure (COP) and the position of the rear part of the foot, and considered the functions of the foot parts in the movement of bringing the feet together. [Subjects] The subjects were 13 healthy adults: 8 males, 5 females, average age 21.6±2.5 years. [Method] We measured the locus of COP during movement of one leg in bringing the feet together from standing with the legs apart. In addition, we divided the subjects into those who ended the movement with the stepping leg in varus or valgus and compared the two groups. [Results] We found a significant correlation between the left-right value of COP in the step-off period and the left-right and anterior-posterior values of COP just after the movement to the stance foot was completed in the transfer phase. We also found significant differences between the varus and valgus groups in the left-right component in the step-off phase and the anterior-posterior and left-right components in the transfer phase. [Conclusion] The results suggest that the landing position of the foot influences the locus of the center of foot pressure in the movement of bringing the feet together.