Baropodometric technology used to analyze types of weight-bearing during hemiparetic upright position

Abstract

Introduction: Although baropodometric analysis has been published since the 1990s, only now it is founda considerable number of studies showing different uses in the rehabilitation. Objective: To amplify theuse of this technology, this research aimed to analyze baropodometric records during upright position ofsubjects with hemiparesis, describing a way to define weight-bearing profiles in this population. Method:20 healthy subjects were matched by gender and age with 12 subjects with chronic spastic hemiparesis.This control group was formed to establish the limits of symmetry during weight-bearing distribution inthe hemiparesis group. Next, hemiparesis group was submitted to procedures to measure baropodometricrecords used to provide variables related to the weight-bearing distribution, the arch index and thedisplacements in the center of pressure (CoP). Data were used to compare differences among kinds ofweight-bearing distribution (symmetric, asymmetric toward non-paretic or paretic foot) and coordinationsystem for CoP displacements. Results: Hemiparesis group was compounded by eight symmetrics, eightasymmetrics toward non-paretic foot and four asymmetric toward paretic foot. Significant differences in theweight-bearing distributions between non-predominantly and predominantly used foot did not promotedifferences in the other baropodometric records (peak and mean of pressure, and support area). Mainly inthe asymmetry toward non-paretic foot it was observed significant modifications of the baropodometric records.Conclusion: Baropodometric technology can be used to analyze weight-bearing distribution duringupright position of subjects with hemiparesis, detecting different kinds of weight-bearing profiles useful totherapeutic programs and researches involving subjects with this disability.