The relationship between plantar pressure testing and corrective insoles.

The Relationship Between Plantar Pressure Testing and Corrective Insoles

Data Collection and Evaluation Basis for Plantar Pressure Testing

(1) Accurate Quantification of Plantar Pressure Distribution Data
Plantar pressure testing equipment, using pressure sensors and force plates, can measure the pressure values across different regions of the foot in real-time during standing or walking, and generate dynamic pressure distribution maps.

The data helps identify and analyze abnormal pressure conditions in the feet, such as flat feet and high arches. For example, flat feet are characterized by significantly increased pressure in the arch area and expanded contact area.
By analyzing gait cycle data (such as the duration ratio of the stance and swing phases), the system can further assess gait stability and lower limb mechanical abnormalities, providing the basis for foot correction needs.

(2) Combination of Foot 3D Shape and Biomechanical Analysis
Combining plantar pressure testing data with 3D foot scanning technology not only allows the acquisition of key shape parameters such as arch height, foot length, and width but also analyzes the deformation characteristics during weight-bearing. For instance, high-arched feet often show reduced foot contact area and concentrated pressure on the outer side, which can be addressed by insoles designed to increase the cushioning area.

Personalized Design Basis for Corrective Insoles
Based on abnormal plantar pressure areas (such as collapsed arches or high-pressure zones in the forefoot), insoles can redistribute pressure by adjusting the material density locally. For example, adding high-density support materials in the arch area of flat feet can reduce peak pressure by 30%-50%.
For abnormal gaits (such as excessive internal or external rotation), insoles can guide the foot back to a normal alignment by adjusting the heel cup design and wedge angle, improving the biomechanical load on the knee and hip joints.
For high-risk groups, such as diabetic feet, corrective insoles can reduce pressure in high-risk areas (such as ulcer-prone sites) and incorporate breathable, antibacterial materials, significantly lowering the probability of skin damage.

Correction Mechanism and Effect Verification
Corrective insoles reshape the foot’s support structure, changing the contact pattern between the foot and the ground. For example, after wearing custom insoles, flat feet patients experience improved arch support, which can enhance gait symmetry by 40% and reduce the inward tilt of the ankle joint.
Clinical data shows that insoles custom-made based on plantar pressure tests can relieve pain in 85% of plantar fasciitis patients, with gait parameters remaining stable after six months.
Some systems support periodic re-testing, dynamically optimizing insole design by comparing pressure distribution data before and after correction.

Application Scenarios and Technological Extensions
In the sports field, athletes can use plantar pressure tests to customize insoles, optimizing force efficiency (e.g., reducing forefoot pressure concentration by 15% during the sprint start phase) and reducing the risk of stress fractures.
In pediatric flat foot interventions, early pressure tests combined with growth prediction algorithms can design adjustable insoles to accommodate changes in foot development.