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Leprosy is a disease of chronic evolution that causes specific and slow inflammatory reaction, damaging the peripheral neural system. The detection of the sensibility loss is important to identify patients with peripheral neuropathy, and the standard method for it is the Semmes-Weinstein's monofilament sensibility test. One of the etiologic factors of the plantar ulcers on neuropathic feet is the high pressure on determined plantar spot. The Podometry is effective to evaluate the plantar pressure during standing position and gait. The aim of this study was to describe epidemically and clinically leprosy´s patients through podometric evaluations during gait and static posture, and compare these data with Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments sensitivity tests. Methods: 51 leprosy subjects, 18 to 60 years old, already on treatment at the CRNDS of HCFMRP-USP were evaluated and classified as multibacillary (MB) and paucibacillary (PB). Also, 20 normal subjects performed the podometric test and have their data taken as a control group (GC). The statistical analysis of the data showed that leprosy patients have both greater sensitivity loss and plantar peak pressure on the heel area. The MB group showed higher plantar peak pressures during standing position, as well as GC on gait analysis. Both MB and PB presented plantar callus and ulcer; MB skin damage was found within the areas of sensory loss, and PB's within the areas of sensitivity loss plus higher peak pressures. The results showed that podometry offers an important contribution to understanding plantar ulcer's biomechanics; besides, it is a practical and non-invasive method to functionally diagnose leprosy's neuropathy related to plantar pressure distribution.

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