Plantar pressure pattern is associated with the development of lower leg complaints in military recruits.

The aim of this study was to identify differences in plantar pressure patterns in Dutch military recruits with lower leg complaints compared to recruits without any physical complains during their basic military training. Baseline plantar pressure measurements were performed in 1142 military recruits. During basic training, recruits filled out a weekly complaint card indicating the severity and location of the lower body pain they experienced. Recruits with lower leg complaints showed a different plantar pressure pattern compared to recruits without any complaints. Moreover, the difference in plantar pressure pattern was related to the location of complaint. Hence, gait patterns can be identified as a risk factor for the development of lower leg complaints.