The principle of gait analysis equipment for measuring plantar pressure distribution.

The principle of gait analysis equipment for measuring plantar pressure distribution is primarily based on pressure sensor array technology. When a person stands or walks on the device’s surface, different areas of the foot exert varying amounts of pressure on the sensors. These sensors convert the pressure into electrical signals, which are then collected and processed by the system to generate 2D or 3D pressure maps.

During the measurement of plantar pressure distribution, gait analysis equipment typically captures and analyzes the following core data types:

I. Plantar Pressure-Related Data

1. Plantar Pressure Map (2D/3D): Displays the force distribution across different areas of the foot.
2. Maximum Pressure Points and Zones: Identifies which areas of the foot bear the highest pressure.
3. Center of Pressure (COP) Trajectory: Shows the movement path of the body’s center of gravity during gait.
4. Contact Area: The total area of the foot in contact with the ground.
5. Average Pressure Value: Indicates the average pressure per step or phase.

II. Gait Parameters

1. Step Length: The distance between the two feet during walking.
2. Stride Length: The distance covered between two consecutive contacts of the same foot.
3. Cadence: The number of steps taken per unit of time.
4. Gait Cycle Duration: The time taken for a full cycle from one foot contact to the next same foot contact.
5. Swing and Stance Phase Ratio: Proportions of time the foot is in the air vs. on the ground.
6. Gait Symmetry Index: Assesses the coordination and balance between left and right foot movements.

III. Temporal Data

1. Contact Time: The duration each foot stays in contact with the ground.
2. Initiation/Toe-Off Time: The start and end timing of each step.

IV. Dynamic Stability Indicators

1. Center of Gravity Fluctuation Range and Velocity: Measures body stability during standing or walking.
2. Balance Index: Assesses overall balance ability using center of gravity data.

Gait analysis equipment is widely used in medical rehabilitation, sports science, orthopedic insole customization, fall risk assessment in the elderly, children’s foot development monitoring, neuro-rehabilitation, and footwear design. By accurately measuring plantar pressure distribution and gait parameters, it assists in diagnosing gait abnormalities, evaluating rehabilitation outcomes, improving athletic performance, and providing scientific data for personalized health interventions and footwear design.