Plantar Pressure and Pain in Young Adults

May 1, 2026 updated by: Mehmet Burak UYAROĞLU, Fenerbahce University

Investigation of the Relationship Between Plantar Pressure Distribution and Pain Localization and Severity in Young Adults

The musculoskeletal system represents a holistic movement organization emerging from the integrated function of the central nervous system, musculoskeletal structures, and joint complexes. This organization is defined in the literature as the kinetic chain, characterized by the sequential and coordinated activation of body segments to enable distal segments to perform activities with optimal speed, position, and timing. The efficiency of the kinetic chain depends on optimal length-tension relationships, neuromuscular control, and balanced load transfer between segments. As the initial point of contact with the ground, the foot functions not merely as a passive support surface but as a dynamic structure actively involved in postural control, balance, and the regulation of ground reaction forces. Plantar pressure distribution and Center of Pressure (CoP) dynamics are considered objective indicators of foot-ground interaction. Due to its complex anatomical and biomechanical structure, any mechanical disturbance within the foot can influence the loading patterns of the entire kinetic chain.Abnormal plantar pressure distribution-characterized by increased peak pressures, altered forefoot-rearfoot load ratios, and increased CoP variability-may lead to compensatory load redistribution in proximal joints. These compensations have been associated with altered motor strategies, reduced neuromuscular control, and impaired shock absorption. Consequently, such alterations may contribute to the development of pain in proximal regions. This suggests a potential association between plantar pressure patterns and pain localization and severity in young adults.

Study Overview

Status

Not yet recruiting

Conditions

Intervention / Treatment

Detailed Description

The musculoskeletal system is a complex and integrated structure in which movement emerges through the coordinated interaction of the central nervous system, musculoskeletal components, and joint complexes. This coordinated system is commonly conceptualized as the kinetic chain, which refers to the sequential and synchronized activation of body segments to allow distal segments to perform functional tasks with optimal timing, velocity, and alignment. The effectiveness of the kinetic chain is strongly influenced by biomechanical and neuromuscular factors, including optimal length-tension relationships, efficient neuromuscular control, and the balanced transfer of forces across interconnected segments.

Within this system, the foot represents the first point of contact with the ground and plays a crucial role in both static and dynamic conditions. Rather than acting as a passive structure, the foot functions as an active and adaptive component responsible for maintaining postural control, regulating balance, and modulating ground reaction forces. Plantar pressure distribution and Center of Pressure (CoP) parameters are widely accepted as objective measures reflecting the interaction between the foot and the ground. These parameters provide insight into load distribution patterns, stability, and movement strategies during both standing and gait.

The anatomical and functional complexity of the foot contributes to its role as a highly integrated biomechanical system. The presence of multiple bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles-many of which span more than one joint-enables the foot to adapt to varying mechanical demands. However, this complexity also makes the system susceptible to dysfunction. Any mechanical alteration within the foot, such as changes in plantar pressure distribution, can disrupt normal load transmission and consequently affect the entire kinetic chain.

Abnormal plantar pressure distribution is typically characterized by increased peak pressure values, altered forefoot-to-rearfoot load ratios, and increased variability in CoP movement. These changes may indicate inefficient load absorption and distribution during both static stance and dynamic activities such as walking. As a result, compensatory mechanisms may develop in proximal segments, including the knee, hip, and lumbar spine, in order to maintain functional movement and stability.

Previous studies have demonstrated that individuals experiencing musculoskeletal pain, particularly in the lower back, exhibit altered plantar pressure patterns during standing and walking compared to healthy individuals. These alterations are often interpreted as adaptive motor strategies aimed at minimizing discomfort. However, while such compensations may provide short term benefits, they may lead to long-term negative consequences, including disrupted muscle activation patterns, reduced neuromuscular control, and decreased efficiency in shock absorption. The cumulative effect of these alterations can result in impaired static and dynamic stability, further exacerbating abnormal loading patterns within the foot. This creates a cyclical process in which changes in plantar pressure distribution contribute to proximal dysfunction, which in turn reinforces abnormal movement patterns. Consequently, disturbances originating at the distal level may have significant implications for the entire kinetic chain. Understanding the relationship between plantar pressure distribution and pain characteristics is therefore of clinical importance. The use of pain mapping techniques in conjunction with plantar pressure analysis may provide valuable insights into how specific pressure patterns relate to localized pain regions. Such findings could support the development of targeted rehabilitation strategies aimed at optimizing load distribution, improving neuromuscular control, and reducing pain. In this context, investigating the association between plantar pressure distribution and pain localization and severity in young adults may contribute to a better understanding of biomechanical and neuromuscular factors underlying musculoskeletal pain, ultimately informing both preventive and therapeutic approaches.

Study Type

Observational

Enrollment (Estimated)

53

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Contact

Study Contact Backup

Study Locations

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study

  • Adult

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Sampling Method

Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Participants will be recruited using a convenience sampling method from the local population, primarily consisting of university students and their peers.

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Young adults aged between 18 and 35 years
  • Ability to stand and walk independently
  • Adequate cognitive function to understand and follow the measurement procedures
  • Willingness to participate voluntarily and provide written informed consent
  • Absence of acute lower extremity pain or injury on the day of assessment
  • Not using any assistive devices (e.g., orthoses, canes) during measurement

Exclusion Criteria:

  • History of a foot deformity diagnosed during childhood
  • History of musculoskeletal injury involving the lower extremity or lumbar region within the past 12 months
  • Previous surgery involving the lower extremity or lumbar region
  • Any condition that may affect general motor function, balance, circulation, sensory function, or pain perception

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

Cohorts and Interventions

Group / Cohort
Intervention / Treatment
Single Group
Other: Plantar Pressure Measurement
Plantar pressure measurements will be performed using a pedobarography system. Both static and dynamic assessments will be conducted using the device.In addition, age, height, and body weight will be recorded, and body mass index (BMI) will be calculated based on these measurements. Participants' commonly used footwear type, pain localization, and pain intensity will also be assessed.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Plantar Pressure Measurement
Time Frame: Baseline
Plantar pressure measurements will be performed using a pedobarography system (GHF550 Foot Checker). The device includes a 480 × 480 mm sensor platform with 2304 sensors and a sampling frequency of up to 60 Hz. Assessment of static and dynamic plantar pressure parameters using a pedobarography system, including pressure distribution, load characteristics, contact area, and related biomechanical variables.
Baseline
Pain İntensity
Time Frame: Baseline
Pain intensity will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Participants will be asked to rate their current pain level on a 10-cm horizontal line, where 0 indicates "no pain" and 10 indicates "worst imaginable pain." Pain localization will also be recorded based on participant self-report.
Baseline

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

Fenerbahce University

Investigators

  • Study Director: Mehmet Burak Uyaroğlu, Fenerbahçe University
  • Study Chair: Yeliz Çırak, Fenerbahçe University
  • Principal Investigator: Gizem Demir Uzun, Fenerbahçe University
  • Principal Investigator: Berfu Özdemir, Fenerbahçe University

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Estimated)

May 1, 2026

Primary Completion (Estimated)

May 1, 2026

Study Completion (Estimated)

May 1, 2026

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

April 23, 2026

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

May 1, 2026

First Posted (Actual)

May 6, 2026

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

May 6, 2026

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

May 1, 2026

Last Verified

May 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

Additional Relevant MeSH Terms

Other Study ID Numbers

  • Fenerbahce

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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