Have you ever thought that the pressure on the soles of your feet during daily walking, running, and standing for a long time is actually not evenly distributed? A seemingly normal way of walking may be the source of your foot pain, knee soreness, and back discomfort.
A device called a plantar pressure tester is being widely used by more and more medical institutions, sports centers, shoe stores, and even gyms, becoming an important tool for people to understand foot health.
So what is the function of this device? And in what scenarios is it suitable for use? Today, I will take you to fully understand its functions and value.
What is a plantar pressure tester
The plantar pressure tester, also called the plantar pressure distribution system, is a high-precision device that captures changes in plantar force through sensing technology. It can collect force data from various parts of the plantar during standing, walking, or running, and display information in multiple dimensions such as pressure distribution, center of gravity changes, and gait rhythm through images.
Plantar pressure distribution system
Simply put, it is like a high-precision CT scan of the foot, which can accurately identify abnormalities in the structure and movement mechanism of the foot, and provide data support for health management.
Comprehensive analysis of five major application scenarios
First, medical rehabilitation
In the orthopedics and rehabilitation medicine departments of hospitals, plantar pressure testers are widely used in gait analysis and foot disease diagnosis. Doctors can use the test results to understand whether the patient has problems such as abnormal arches, center of gravity deviation, and diabetic foot risks, so as to develop more targeted rehabilitation or correction plans.
Second, sports training and injury prevention
For professional athletes or people who exercise regularly, scientific gait and running posture are very important. The tester can help analyze whether the landing angle and force area are balanced when running, so as to optimize the movement and reduce the risk of sports injuries. More and more gyms are also equipped with this equipment to provide sports health assessments for members.
Third, insoles and footwear customization services
Many functional shoe brands and high-end shoe stores use plantar pressure testing as part of their customized services. By detecting foot pressure and foot shape structure, the most suitable shoes or tailor-made insoles are recommended to customers, especially for people with abnormal arches, pregnant women, the elderly, or occupational groups who stand for a long time.
Fourth, health management for the elderly
With age, the elderly often have problems with decreased body balance and unstable walking. Regular use of the plantar pressure tester can detect gait abnormalities or imbalances early, providing a scientific basis for fall prevention and walking training.
Fifth, scientific research and teaching
Many university laboratories and sports research institutions also use this type of equipment to collect large-scale foot movement data for ergonomics, rehabilitation medicine and sports science research, and promote the development and optimization of health products.
How to use the plantar pressure tester
The use process is very simple. The user only needs to stand on or walk across the test platform, and the sensor can automatically collect data. The system then generates visual images, including pressure heat maps, arch distribution maps, center of gravity trajectory maps, etc., and provides corresponding analysis reports. The whole process only takes a few minutes and is safe and non-invasive.
