2.3. Procedures

A FreeMed baropodometric platform was used to assess plantar pressure and foot geometry. All measures were processed with the integrated FreeStep software. Leg dominance was determined according to the Bogdanowicz test. This method involves ascending a step on a signal. The leg used by the participant to take the first step is treated as the dominant limb [20].

Testing was first performed in the static condition and then in the dynamic condition with no rest interval. While analysis of the feet in the static condition is considered acceptable, the literature recommends the concomitant application of dynamic testing to better reflect the functional status of the feet [21].

Both tests were performed barefoot with both eyes open. Testing in the static condition involved standing quietly for 5 s on the baropodometric platform with the feet parallel and arms resting along the body. For the dynamic condition, the participant walked at a normal pace from one end of the platform and back approximately four times to allow each foot to register on central part of the platform at least twice (FreeStep v.1.0 User’s Guide: www.koordynacja.com.pl). Variables collected in both conditions included dominant and non-dominant limb peak and average plantar pressure, forefoot and rearfoot plantar pressure distribution, the calcaneus angle as an equivalent of the gamma heel angle and plantar axis [22]. Additionally, medial and lateral plantar pressure distribution were measured in the dynamic condition. Foot posture was graded as neutral pronation, overpronation, and supination with equal load on both feet according to Myers [15].