Dynamic Foot Pressure During Walking: A Potential Indicator of Bone Mineral Density

Abstract

Background: Physical skeletal loading can affect the bone mineral density (BMD). This study investigated the association between BMD and dynamic foot pressure during gait. Methods: A total of 104 patients (mean age, 62.6 ± 12.4 years; 23 male and 81 female) who underwent dual x-ray absorptiometry and pedobarography were included. BMD values of the lumbar spine, femoral neck, and total femur were assessed. The mean and maximum pressures were measured at the hallux, lesser toes, 1st metatarsal head, 2nd and 3rd metatarsal heads, 4th and 5th metatarsal heads, midfoot, medial heel, and lateral heel. Multivariable regression analysis was performed to identify factors significantly associated with BMD. Results: The lumbar spine BMD was significantly associated with the mean pressure at the 4th and 5th metatarsal heads (p = 0.041, adjusted R2 of model = 0.081). The femoral neck BMD was significantly associated with the maximum pressure at the 2nd and 3rd metatarsal heads (p = 0.002, adjusted R2 = 0.213). The total femoral BMD also showed a significant association with the maximum pressure at the 2nd and 3rd metatarsal heads (p = 0.003, adjusted R2 = 0.360). Conclusions: Foot plantar pressure during gait was significantly associated with BMD, and could potentially be used to predict the presence of osteoporosis. Level of Evidence: Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.