Foot pressure distribution variation in pre-obese, obese and non-obese individuals – Forensic implications

The present commentary refers to recent research on the plantar pressure distribution variation in pre-obese, obese and non-obese adult individuals. While the studies observe significant changes in the contact area in the mid foot region i.e. instep region, no statistically significant differences were observed in the pressure distribution of the fore-foot and hind-foot region among the pre-obese and non-obese groups. Thus, the pressure distribution of the sole of the individuals depends upon the body weight of the individuals. In this commentary, we emphasize that the results of these studies; besides their clinical implications, have applications in forensic sciences especially in the field of forensic podiatry too which is concerned with the examination of pedal evidence recovered at the crime scene.