As foot health management is receiving increasing attention today, plantar pressure plates are gradually being introduced into major stores, rehabilitation centers, child growth monitoring institutions, and even some households. They can accurately capture the pressure distribution under the feet and analyze gait posture, making them an important tool for evaluating foot conditions.
But did you know? Just like glasses need regular eye exams, plantar pressure plates also require regular calibration. This is not an unnecessary step, but a key measure to ensure data accuracy and reliability.
Why do plantar pressure plates need calibration?
The working principle of a plantar pressure plate is to use built-in high-sensitivity sensors to detect the strength and distribution of the pressure between the foot and the ground while a person is standing or walking. After prolonged use, due to changes in temperature and humidity, equipment aging, or repeated stepping, these sensors may experience reduced sensitivity or data drift.
If the sensors are not calibrated in time, the following problems may occur:
Distorted plantar pressure images, affecting professional analysis
Gait data deviation, leading to misjudgment of abnormal gait or arch type
Incorrect parameters for customized insoles, affecting wearing experience
Inaccurate medical advice, delaying appropriate intervention
In other words, calibration is not optional, but a basic guarantee for the healthy operation of the plantar pressure plate.
How often should it be calibrated?
Different brands and models of plantar pressure plates may recommend slightly different calibration intervals. Generally speaking:
High-frequency commercial use (such as chain stores, hospitals, training centers): It is recommended to perform a full system calibration every 3 to 6 months
Medium or low-frequency use (such as home use or small institutions): Calibration can be done every 6 to 12 months, depending on usage frequency
In case of abnormal data, distorted images, or unstable measurements, immediate inspection and early calibration are recommended
Some high-end devices come with calibration reminders or built-in auto-calibration modules. However, manual inspection should still not be completely omitted.
How is calibration performed? Do you need a professional?
Most plantar pressure plate brands provide specialized calibration tools or operation guides. Some models support user self-operation—just follow the steps to confirm balance points, adjust zero points, and reset sensors.
However, if the equipment is used for medical, rehabilitation, or children’s foot shape monitoring, it is recommended that calibration be performed by manufacturer-authorized technicians or professional after-sales personnel to ensure that every set of data truly serves health-related decisions.
