The aim of this study was to compare the temporal foot rollover data between walking straight ahead and stepping over obstacles for obese and non-obese postmenopausal women. Plantar pressure data were collected from 67 women. The initial, final, and duration of contact of 10 foot areas were measured. Both limbs of both groups showed a longer foot contact duration on the obstacle task. Significant temporal differences were found for both groups between straight ahead and crossing obstacles on the initial, final, and duration of contact for several foot areas. The propulsion phase of the trailing limb during the obstacle task was anticipated. Regarding the leading limb, the first foot contact was not made with the heel areas; however, a backward foot rollover movement from the metatarsal to the heel areas occurred, possibly to provide support to better control the trailing limb swing phase.
Keywords: gait; menopause; obstacles; plantar pressure.