Working principle of plantar pressure tester
1. Introduction
The plantar pressure tester (Plantar Pressure Measurement System) is a professional device used to measure the pressure distribution of the plantar, which is widely used in clinical medicine, sports science, rehabilitation engineering and shoe design. Its core goal is to evaluate gait, detect abnormal pressure distribution, and analyze the biomechanical characteristics of the foot to provide data support for foot disease diagnosis, orthotic device customization and sports injury prevention.
The plantar pressure tester usually adopts pressure sensing technology and data acquisition and analysis system to record the pressure distribution in different areas of the plantar, quantify the force of the foot, and assist medical treatment and scientific research.
2. Working principle
The working principle of the plantar pressure tester is based on mechanical sensing, signal acquisition, data analysis and visualization, and mainly includes the following key parts:
(1) Pressure sensing system
The core component is a high-precision pressure sensor, which usually adopts the following technologies:
Capacitive Sensors: It senses pressure changes by measuring the capacitance changes between the sensor electrodes, and has the characteristics of high sensitivity and fast response.
Piezoresistive sensors: measure pressure based on the change in material resistance. They are low-cost, but their accuracy may be affected by temperature and humidity.
Strain gauge sensors: measure plantar pressure by using the change in resistance of metal strain gauges when they are under pressure. They are suitable for high-precision measurement needs.
Optical fiber sensors: detect pressure based on the change in light signals. They have good stability and anti-interference capabilities.
These sensors are usually integrated into **pressure mats, in-shoe sensors or gait analysis platforms** to meet different measurement needs.
(2) Signal acquisition and data processing
When the foot applies pressure on the sensor surface, the sensor converts the mechanical signal into an electrical signal, which is then collected in real time by a data acquisition module (DAQ).
Signal conditioning: The initial signal is amplified, filtered and noise-suppressed to improve signal quality.
Analog-to-digital conversion (ADC): Converts analog signals into digital signals for subsequent processing by computers.
Time synchronization: ensure data synchronization of multiple sensors to ensure the accuracy of gait and dynamic pressure distribution.
(3) Data analysis and visualization
After data collection, it is analyzed and visualized through professional software, including:
Plant pressure distribution map (Plantar Pressure Mapping): intuitively display the force conditions of different areas of the foot, identify high-pressure areas and abnormal force patterns.
Dynamic gait analysis (Gait Analysis): by continuously measuring the changes in plantar pressure, analyze gait cycle, landing time, step length, walking speed and other parameters.
Center of Pressure (CoP): calculate the trajectory of the plantar force center to evaluate balance ability and gait stability.
Force-Time Curve: record the changes in plantar pressure at different time points, analyze impact force and load distribution.
3. Application scenarios
(1) Medical diagnosis
Risk assessment of diabetic foot: identify high-pressure areas on the plantar to prevent the occurrence of diabetic ulcers.
Flat foot and high arch foot assessment: analyze the arch status and guide the customization of orthopedic insoles or orthopedic shoes.
Foot deformities and sports injuries: Evaluate the plantar pressure characteristics of diseases such as hallux valgus, Achilles tendinitis, and plantar fasciitis.
(2) Sports science and rehabilitation
Gait analysis and sports performance optimization: Used for athlete training to improve the efficiency of running, jumping, and other movements.
Postoperative rehabilitation monitoring: For example, gait recovery evaluation after knee or ankle surgery.
(3) Footwear design and manufacturing
Customized insoles and orthopedic shoes: Optimize footwear design based on plantar pressure data to improve comfort and support.
New material testing: Evaluate the cushioning performance and pressure distribution optimization capabilities of different insole materials.
The plantar pressure tester uses high-precision sensors, signal acquisition, and data analysis to accurately measure plantar pressure distribution, and is widely used in medical diagnosis, sports rehabilitation, and shoe design.
This technology provides a scientific basis for foot health management and helps improve gait, biomechanical characteristics, and sports performance. In the future, combined with artificial intelligence and big data analysis, the plantar pressure tester is expected to achieve more accurate personalized evaluations and provide more advanced solutions for medical and sports science.
