Abstract
BACKGROUND: Posturography is a diagnostic technique that quantifies postural control through Centre of Pressure (CoP) displacement analysis on a force platform. Footwear characteristics, particularly heel-to-toe drop, may influence balance by modifying plantar pressure distribution and proprioceptive feedback. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of different footwear drops (0 mm, 5 mm, 10 mm) on postural control in healthy young adults, considering sex, BMI, and shoe size. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 117 participants (56 men, 61 women) using the Dinascan/IBV(®) platform and the Romberg test. CoP displacement and velocity were analyzed. RESULTS: Significant differences were observed in CoP total displacement (p < 0.001), mean velocity (p < 0.001), and medio-lateral dispersion (p = 0.024) when comparing 0 mm to 5 mm and 10 mm drops. Sex differences were significant at 0 mm drop for maximum medio-lateral force (p < 0.001) and mean velocity (p = 0.042), with men exhibiting greater values. At 5 mm drop, men showed significantly higher swept area (p = 0.029) and anteroposterior displacement (p = 0.007) than women. CONCLUSIONS: Small variations in footwear drop can affect postural control, particularly in the medio-lateral plane. Sex and BMI significantly influence CoP behavior, suggesting the need to consider these factors in footwear design and clinical balance assessments.