Abstract:Objective To investigate the relationship between plantar pressure and plantar sensation in people with different foot types and provide theoretical references for injury evaluation and sports recovery in patients with flat feet. Methods Recruited participants were initially screened using a three-dimensional (3D) foot scanner. They were divided according to the arch index as follows: 16 in the normal foot group and 16 in the flat foot group. Plantar pressure and sensation tests were performed in different groups using the Footscan high-frequency plantar pressure test system and the Semmes–Weinstein monofilament test, respectively. The test results were analyzed for statistical descriptions and correlations. Results The plantar pressure impulses of the left and right arches and the medial area in the flat foot group increased significantly compared with those in the normal foot group (P<0.05). The plantar sensory thresholds of the first metatarsal bone and arch position in the flatfoot group were lower than those in the normal foot group (P<0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between left foot sole sensation, right foot arch position, and plantar pressure in the flat foot group. Conclusions The structural features of reduced arches and excessive valgus in people with flat feet result in increased plantar pressure impulses and lower thresholds of plantar sensory sensitivity in the arch and medial heel positions. Meanwhile, there is a correlation between plantar sensation and plantar pressure; the greater the load of plantar pressure, the lower the threshold of plantar sensation.