The Correlation between Plantar Pressure and Low Back Pain and the Validity of Digital Foot Scanner

The purposes of this study were to measure the index values of plantar foot pressure applied on both legs in standing position and to explore if there was correlation with low back pain, and further to examine the reliability of digital feet scanning devices. A total 125 college students(50 male students and 75 female students, aged from 20 to 29) participated this study. The foot plantar pressures were measured by Associate&#9415; Platinum V7+ Digital foot scanner. The reliability of Associate&#9415; Platinum V7+ Digital foot scanner was measured by two inspectors. Index values of plantar foot pressure measured at standing position were higher in the low back pain group then the normal population. Hereupon, it has been confirmed that back ache influenced on the plantar foot pressure. There was also a correlation between low back pain and foot pressure(r = 0.93, p < 0.01). There was also correlation between foot pressure and pain in standing position(r = 0.47, p < 0.01). In addition, according to the result of reliability on the Associate&#9415; Platinum V7+ Digital foot scanner, measured SEM was 3.22 on both groups along with MAD of 1.98±0.14 on each group as well. In addition, two groups had the same ICC3,1 as 0.75. In addition, it has been identified that there was a high reliability on the Associate&#9415; Platinum V7+Digital foot scanner by examining variables other than ICC3,1. This study showed a higher plantar in standing position under imbalanced condition. Therefore, it suggests maintaining a proper posture and precaution with exercise through education in a daily life. In addition, the results and methodology of this study could be served as a criteria used for measuring and evaluating postural imbalance of college students.