COMPUTERIZED ELECTRONIC BAROPODOMETRY - A MODALITY TO EVALUATE THE SPINAL COLUMN DYSFUNCTIONS IN PERFORMANCE ATHLETES
Authors: Sabina Macovei , Leonard Acasandrei , Mezei Mariana 
Published: February 2023

AUTHORS: Prof. PhD Sabina MACOVEI1,
Assist. Lecturer PhD Student Leonard ACASANDREI1,
PhD Student Mariana MEZEI1
National University of Physical Education and Sports, Bucharest

Introduction
Computerized baropodometry represents a technique specialized in the analysis of the distribution and measurement of plantar pressure exerted by different somatic structures, through an electronic recording platform. Determinant for the foot mechanics study, it provides objective data related to the body center of gravity distribution and, implicitly, to the possible dysfunctions at the spinal column level.
Purpose
Relying on some case studies, the present paper aims at using the electronic baropodometry, as an efficient modality to objectify the vertebral column dysfunctions in performance girl gymnasts, by considering their high incidence in this sports branch, with negative effects on the quality of life.
Content
In our study, we used the FootscanSystem device (developed by the Belgian Company "RSscan International") based on the Footscan Software 7.97 Gait 2nd Generation, to determine the plantar pressure distributions in the bipodal static situation and during the gate support phase. We conducted our research at "Dr. Nicolae Rob&#259;nescu" National Medical Center for Children's Rehabilitation in Bucharest and our subjects were the girl gymnasts from the Sports Club of UNEFS Bucharest.
Conclusions
Electronic baropodometry represents a unique and accurate evaluation tool that can be used to identify the forefoot or the rear-foot plantar pressure distribution, the maximum pressure points, the forefoot deviation tendency in supination or pronation, the way in which the center of gravity is distributed on each foot, as well as the association of some pathologies such as the spinal column dysfunctions or imbalances at the pelvis level.
References
1. Capelle, P., 2001, Exploraci&oacute;n cl&iacute;nica elemental en podolog&iacute;a, Enciclopedia Médico Quir&uacute;rgica Elsevier SAS, Paris,1-5; 26-161-A-12.
2. Epuran, M., 2005, Metodologia cercet&#259;rii activit&#259;&#355;ilor corporale, Edi&#355;ia a II-a, Editura Fest, Bucure&#351;ti.
3. Libotte, M., 2001, Podoscopia electr&oacute;nica, Enciclopedia Médico Quir&uacute;rgica Elsevier SAS, Par&iacute;s 1-5; 26-161-A-13.
4. Macovei S., Acasandrei L., 2012, Theoretical and methodical considerations regarding the spine imbalances in different sports disciplines, XIIth International scientific conference Perspectives in physical education and sport, 19 May 2012, Constanta.
5. Martinez, A.P., 2005, Anomal&iacute;as baropodometricas en jugadores de baloncesto de elite, Archivos de medicina del deporte, Volumen XXII, Numero 107, pag. 177-185.
6. Navarro N. E., 2002, Lesiones deportivas en el aer&oacute;bic de competici&oacute;n, Revista Apunts: Medicina de l esport, Numero 139, pag. 31-37.
7. Padilla, A. H., 2006, Uso de la baropodometria, Revista MedigraphicArtemisa, Volumen 2, Numero 4, Octubre-Deciembre, pag. 256-261.
8. Rodriguez Fernandez, R., 2009, Baropodometr&iacute;a Electr&oacute;nica, Revista de investigaci&oacute;n, tecnica y educativa, Nr. 9, ISSN: 1989-354X, Deposito Legal: SE 545-2009.