[Pressure distribution pattern in relation to foot structure during muscular active and passive load impacts].

A piezoelectric pressure distribution platform (1000 elements) was employed, to investigate the mechanical behavior of three different foot structures. Ten male subjects in each of the foot groups Cavus, Rectus, and Planus performed voluntarily controlled jumps with one leg onto the pressure distribution platform. Using a trap door arrangement, the subjects fell in a second set of experiments unexpectedly onto the sensor matrix. In order to exclude a voluntary foot muscle response, the time duration of falling was restricted by choosing a falling height of only 20 cm. Comparing the data from both impact conditions the influence of active foot muscle involvement could be investigated. The analysis of the temporal pressure pattern, the local peak pressures and the regional impulses permitted an insight into the mechanical characteristics of the different foot structures.