Have you ever noticed that one foot feels more sore when walking? Or that your forefoot feels especially tired after standing for a long time? These small discomforts may hide issues like body imbalance or abnormal gait. Relying on the naked eye alone is far from enough to accurately find the cause.
This is where gait analysis instruments come into play. Like a “foot detective,” they precisely measure plantar pressure distribution, helping us read the body’s signals through our steps.
1. What is a gait analysis instrument?
A gait analysis instrument is a high-tech device typically composed of a pressure plate embedded with sensors and a dynamic capture system. When a person walks or stands naturally on it, the instrument collects real-time data on pressure at every point of the sole, center of gravity trajectory, contact time, and more.
Using this data, the system generates professional plantar pressure maps and gait analysis reports, providing precise evaluation support for doctors, therapists, and trainers.
2. What is the use of plantar pressure distribution measurement?
Identify abnormal pressure areas: Pressure analysis across different regions of the sole can detect high-pressure points. For example, forefoot overload or heel deviation are potential risk zones for pathology.
Assess gait coordination: The report clearly shows whether the left and right foot pressures are balanced, if the center of gravity shifts smoothly, or if there is excessive foot pronation or supination.
Assist in diagnosing various problems: Conditions like flat feet, high arches, leg length discrepancy, pelvic tilt, neuropathy, fall risk in the elderly, and early signs of sports injuries can be preliminarily identified by changes in plantar pressure.
Provide data support for insoles and rehabilitation: Accurate pressure data forms the basis for customizing orthotic insoles and designing rehabilitation programs, enhancing intervention precision and effectiveness.
3. What are the advantages over traditional observation?
Quantitative analysis: All pressure data are quantified, avoiding subjective errors in judgment.
High sensitivity to detail: Even slight asymmetries or minor pressure differences are detected.
Non-invasive and quick: Just a few natural steps complete the test—painless and hassle-free.
Dual dynamic and static evaluation: It captures not only static standing pressure distribution but also the real dynamic state during walking.
4. Wide range of applicable users
Athletes: Optimize running and jumping techniques, prevent sports injuries.
Elderly: Assess fall risk, improve gait stability.
Diabetic patients: Monitor high-pressure areas on the feet, prevent diabetic foot ulcers.
Rehabilitation patients: Observe post-surgery recovery, adjust rehab strategies.
Adolescents: Detect abnormal foot development early for timely intervention.
