Journal of Spine

Baropodometer as a Clinical Tool for Evaluating and Following Treatment of Postural Deviations - A Case Report

Abstract

Cordeiro TL, Duarte A, Collucci A and Frade M

The pre-pubertal age can be considered as the most important for prevention and treatment of postural deformity. Postural adjustments to maintain static and dynamic balance depend on the relationship between sensory input organs (captors) and the environment. Currently, there are three captors known: the eye, the vestibule and the soles of the feet. Postural insoles work as exteroceptors and aim to reorganize the muscle group’s tone and influence the body posture by proprioceptive reflexes and subsequent correction. Besides the proprioceptive insoles, the Pilates method for spine treatment and postural deviations has been widely applied, and it presents great adhesion and good outcomes for school children and pre-teens. The baropodometric projection of the body center of pressure (COP) could be used in clinical practice as an evaluation tool in the treatment of postural dysfunctions and spinal deviations, through a baropodometer device, but little has been published about its clinical outcomes on everyday use. This study described the case of an 11 year old with pelvic deviation due to short leg length and the treatment chosen accordingly to a baropodometric evaluation, such as the use of postural insoles combined with Pilates sessions for 40 days. After this period, it was noted a better plantar surface and peak pressures distribution, as well as a more homogeneous weight bearing on both feet, which can induce improvements on postural behavior and prevents spinal injuries.