Repeatability and reproducibility of the Tekscan HR-Walkway system in healthy children

Abstract

This study investigated the repeatability and reproducibility of the HR Walkway system with regards to peak pressure values (PP) and pressure time integral (PTI) in healthy children, ranging between 5 and 18 years of age. Subjects recruited took part in two non-invasive clinical assessments, at baseline and 1 week later. Gait analysis was carried out using the PP box approach, and plantar foot recording was divided into 10 anatomical areas. The PP and PTI was investigated for the left, right and both feet accounted together. Interclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) test was adopted for statistical analysis. Overall, 30 healthy patients were recruited and 60 appointments were completed, 53.3% (n=16) were female and 46.7% (n=14) were male. Mean age was 13.3 years (SD=4.5), with an age-range of 5-18.6 years old. Results indicated that for all variables tested the repeatability data were 'good' ICC for 73.8% (n=121) and 'moderate' ICC for 26.2% (n=43). For all variables tested, the reproducibility data showed that 'good' ICC for 70.7% (n=58) and 'moderate' ICC for 29.3% (n=24). In conclusion, the HR Walkway system is able to provide repeatable and reproducible data.

Keywords: Children; Foot mapping; Gait; HR-Walkway; Repeatability; Reproducibility; Tekscan.