What is the use of gait analysis system? Why measure the plantar pressure distribution?

The gait analysis system is a high-tech device used to evaluate human walking and movement patterns. It is mainly used in medical rehabilitation, sports science, orthotic insole customization, and biomechanical research. It uses sensors, cameras, or plantar pressure plates to capture gait data in real time and analyze the biomechanical characteristics of individuals when walking, running, or standing.

Main uses of gait analysis systems

The gait analysis system can help correct gait abnormalities, such as O-shaped legs, X-shaped legs, inversion of the foot, eversion of the foot, etc. Through gait data analysis, the cause of gait abnormalities can be found, and combined with corrective insoles or rehabilitation training to improve and reduce the risk of long-term injuries.

In terms of sports training and injury prevention, the gait analysis system can optimize the athlete’s running or walking posture, improve sports performance, identify bad gait habits, and reduce the risk of sports injuries such as knee injuries, Achilles tendonitis, and plantar fasciitis.

In the field of medical rehabilitation, the gait analysis system is used to evaluate the gait recovery of postoperative patients (such as knee replacement and ankle surgery) and monitor the progress of rehabilitation. At the same time, it can help evaluate the gait patterns of patients with neurological diseases (such as stroke and Parkinson’s disease) and provide a scientific basis for rehabilitation treatment.

For the elderly, gait analysis can be used for fall risk assessment. By analyzing indicators such as stride length, pace, and foot contact time, the risk of falling can be determined, prevention strategies can be formulated, and gait stability can be improved.

Children’s foot development can also be monitored through the gait analysis system to detect early abnormalities, such as flat feet or walking inward, and take timely intervention measures.

Why measure plantar pressure distribution?

Plantar pressure distribution measurement is an important part of the gait analysis system. It can evaluate the force on the plantar of an individual when standing and walking, and detect potential foot problems and lower limb mechanical abnormalities.

Accurately assessing the health of the foot is the core role of plantar pressure distribution measurement. For example, by measuring the force on the arch of the foot, it can be determined whether there are problems such as flat feet and high arches. Abnormal plantar pressure may also lead to diseases such as plantar fasciitis and diabetic foot ulcers, so early detection is crucial.

Plantar pressure data is also very important for personalized corrective insoles and footwear customization. According to the force on the sole of the foot, corrective insoles that meet individual needs can be customized to optimize gait and improve comfort. At the same time, sports shoe brands can also use pressure distribution data to optimize the sole design, improve cushioning and support, and reduce sports injuries.

The diagnosis and adjustment of gait abnormalities also rely on plantar pressure distribution measurement. For example, whether the force on the left and right feet is balanced and whether the pressure distribution between the forefoot and the heel is reasonable can be analyzed through measurement data, and corresponding corrective measures can be taken.

In terms of rehabilitation treatment and postoperative recovery, plantar pressure measurement can monitor the recovery progress of patients with ankle or knee surgery, help doctors develop rehabilitation plans, improve lower limb stability, and prevent secondary injuries.

Sports science and biomechanics research are also inseparable from plantar pressure data. Athletes can use pressure distribution to analyze the force on the foot when running and jumping, optimize training, improve sports performance, and reduce the probability of sports injuries.

Gait analysis systems and plantar pressure distribution measurements play an important role in medicine, sports science, and foot health management. Gait analysis can accurately evaluate gait characteristics, identify potential health risks, and provide scientific correction solutions. Plantar pressure distribution measurement can deeply analyze the force on the sole of the foot, providing a scientific basis for shoe design, correction insole customization, rehabilitation treatment and sports injury prevention.