# Pedobarography: A Review on Methods and Practical Use in Foot Disorders
###### Abstract  
Pedobarographic examination is a non-invasive method that enables the quantitative and qualitative evaluation of plantar pressure distribution, notably the plantar pressure distribution, referring to the function of the entire musculoskeletal system. This is a scoping review that aims to update knowledge on the practical use of pedobarography in foot disorders. We also attempted to systematize the methodological principles of conducting the pedobarographic examination. We searched Medline/PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews for the articles on the methodology of pedobarography. The search encompassed clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and reviews published in English between January 1982 and February 2021. The literature distinguishes three different types of examinations: static, postural, and dynamic. The rationale for each is presented. The review pointedly shows the unique use of pedobarography for the quantitative and qualitative evaluations of the plantar pressure distribution. It also points to the need for enhancing the awareness among medical professionals of the method and advantages it provides for patient management. Shortcomings of the method are discussed of which the difficulty in establishing the cause-and-effect relationship of foot disorders is the most disturbing as it limits the comparative verification of results of different studies. There also appears a need for developing standardized algorithmic protocols and recommendations to seamlessly perform pedobarography in clinical settings, which would help make wider use of this valuable tool. algorithm; foot disorders; pedobarography; plantar pressure distribution; plantar surface 4.0.0000-0001-9000-0001-9000-000  
diagnostics based on biomechanics rather than the anatomy alone [6; 7]. The pedobarography is an examination of lower limbs, foremost of plantar pressure distribution pattern, providing a graphic illustration of results on standing and walking [8; 9; 10]. [PERSON] and [PERSON], who pioneered in the scanning and evaluation of the plantar foot surface, laid the foundation for contemporary pedobarography in 1880 [11]. [PERSON] [12] later provided the first well-documented data on the plantar surface. He evaluated footprints using a lien bag with a quick-drying plaster inside. In 1901, [PERSON] [13] proposed the capillary blood flow at the plantar surface as a pressure change indicator. The study considered the first podoscopy trial. Patients were instructed to stand on a glass plate so that plantar skin color changes could be monitored with a mirror. Despite the promising results, progress in foot research was limited. Further studies on the plantar pressure distribution were performed by [PERSON] [14] who investigated the'sole' print in patients walking on a rubber mat. In the 1940s, the so-called Harris's mat was employed in gait studies [15]. A breakthrough in the studies on the foot came together with the emergence of automated measuring devices. In 1947, [PERSON] and [PERSON] [16] used piezoelectric sensors to evaluate the plantar surface pressure during gait, presumedly marking the beginning of the pedobarographic era. [PERSON] and [PERSON] [17] introduced quantitative evaluation of dynamic pressure distribution under the feet while walking in shoes, the method was a predecessor of contemporary pedobarography. It was improved by [PERSON] et al. [18] who evaluated the contact pressure between the plantar surface and the shoe insole and [PERSON] et al. [19] who assessed foot-pressure distribution in multisensory artificial soles composed of barosensitive cells during walking conditions. Subsequently, [PERSON] et al. [20] introduced electronic pedometers, the devices that were highly accurate for recording walking-related activity. It should be noted that this achievement was preceded by an almost three-decade-long work-out of pedometer-like devices that were progressively improved by the Japanese scientists, as reported by [PERSON] [21].