Gait analyzers assess walking function through multi-dimensional biomechanical measurements. Their core functions and plantar pressure measurement principles are as follows:
I. Core Functions of Gait Analyzers
Abnormal Gait Screening and Diagnosis
Detects musculoskeletal problems such as splay, bowed legs, flat feet, and varus-valgus footing, and identifies leg disparity and spastic gait caused by cerebral palsy and brain trauma. Analyzes joint angles and muscle activation to locate the root cause of neurological or skeletal lesions.
Medical Rehabilitation Management
For patients undergoing joint replacements and fractures, quantifies parameters such as stride length, cadence, and symmetry to dynamically adjust rehabilitation plans. For patients with Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis, monitors subtle gait changes to enable early intervention.
Sports Fitness Optimization
Analyzes an athlete’s joint range of motion and muscle force patterns during running, identifies technical flaws (such as insufficient extension strength), and provides a biomechanical basis for training plans.
Balance Assessment
Assess vestibular function and fall risk by monitoring center of mass trajectory in both eyes-open and eyes-closed modes, particularly for the elderly.
Development of Intelligent Mobility Assist Devices
Provides accurate gait data support for intelligent prosthetics and exoskeletons, optimizing the biomimetic performance of these devices.
Plant Pressure Distribution Devices
II. Principles and Technological Evolution of Plantar Pressure Measurement
(I) Measurement Principle
Sensor Signal Conversion
When the sole of the foot contacts the ground, a pressure sensor (resistive or capacitive) converts the mechanical signal into an electrical signal:
Resistive sensor: Consists of a conductive film and electrodes. Pressure causes the film to deform, resulting in a change in resistance. Pressure is calculated from the voltage fluctuation.
Capacitive sensor: An insulating elastic layer is placed between two conductive plates. Pressure compresses the plates, increasing the capacitance. The voltage change reflects the pressure intensity.
Dynamic Pressure Map Generation
The electrical signal is processed and converted into digital coordinates to generate a real-time plantar pressure distribution heat map, with peak pressure points (such as the forefoot and heel) marked. Combined with a time axis, the pressure-time integral can be calculated to assess the risk of local tissue damage.
(II) Technology Evolution
Multi-Sensor Fusion
Wearable devices integrate pressure sensors and electromyographic sensors to simultaneously capture plantar pressure distribution and muscle activation status, eliminating errors associated with a single sensor.
3D Gait Reconstruction
Combined with a motion capture system, foot pressure data is superimposed with joint motion trajectories to construct a complete biomechanical model of the gait cycle.
III. Deeply Expanding Application Scenarios
Diabetic foot protection: Customized orthotics can be used to reduce peak plantar pressure (e.g., by adjusting the concave surface of the shoe last) to reduce the risk of foot ulcers.
Military medicine: Monitoring soldiers’ gait adaptability in special environments (such as high altitude and polar regions) to optimize weight-bearing marching plans.
Current technology is evolving from the laboratory to portable and intelligent applications. In the future, it may be integrated into daily health management and become a key tool for early warning of chronic diseases.
