The principle and application scenarios of measuring plantar pressure by gait analysis equipment

Principle and application scenarios of gait analysis equipment to measure plantar pressure

1. Measurement principle

Sensor technology

Use high-density pressure sensor arrays (such as piezoresistive and capacitive sensors) embedded in pressure plates or insoles to sense the force per unit area of the sole in real time. The number of sensors can reach thousands, with millimeter-level accuracy, and can capture micro-pressure changes in various areas of the sole.

Data acquisition and processing

Static measurement: Analyze the arch shape (such as flat feet, high arches), center of gravity offset and other parameters through the pressure distribution data in the standing state.

Dynamic measurement: Record dynamic parameters such as pressure center trajectory, step length/cadence, support phase ratio, etc. when walking or running, and transmit them to the analysis software via Bluetooth/Wi-Fi.

Visual output

The analysis software converts the raw data into visual charts such as pressure heat maps and gait cycle curves, and supports three-dimensional pressure distribution reconstruction and biomechanical parameter calculation (such as arch angle and joint torque).

II. Core application scenarios

Medical and health field

Foot disease diagnosis: Screening for structural abnormalities such as flat feet, high arches, and inversion and valgus, and evaluating the risk areas of diabetic foot ulcers.

Rehabilitation assessment: Quantify the improvement effect of foot pressure distribution before and after the use of corrective devices (such as orthopedic insoles) to optimize rehabilitation plans.

Sports science and training

Athlete gait optimization: Analyze the peak pressure distribution during running/jumping, and adjust the landing posture to reduce the risk of joint injury.

Balance ability assessment: Evaluate vestibular function and body balance through center of gravity trajectory testing in open/closed eyes.

Biomechanical research and product design

Footwear development: Design ergonomic sports shoes based on the plantar pressure distribution characteristics to relieve pressure in specific areas (such as forefoot cushioning optimization of basketball shoes).

Orthopedic device customization: Combined with three-dimensional foot scanning data, provide biomechanical parameter support for 3D printed orthopedic insoles.

3. Typical test process

Static test: The subject stands on the pressure plate, and the device collects foot pressure data in a static state for 10 seconds to generate an arch status report.

Dynamic test: Walk at a natural pace (the recommended cadence is 1.2-1.5 steps/second), and record the pressure changes of at least 3 complete gait cycles.

Report generation: Combine static/dynamic data to output an evaluation report including pressure heat map, gait symmetry score, and abnormal gait warning.