The plantar pressure distribution system has a certain level of accuracy in the detection of flat feet:
I. How high is the accuracy
Plantar pressure testing can relatively accurately make a preliminary determination of whether there is a tendency toward flat feet, especially for adult foot types, long-term posture habits, and analysis of foot arch loading. However, to determine whether it is “diagnosed” as flat feet, it is still necessary to make a judgment by comprehensively considering the following factors:
Whether there is arch collapse and lowering
Whether the arch can still recover when standing or walking
Whether there is foot pain, fatigue, or abnormal gait
Whether it is flexible flat feet or rigid flat feet
Whether the arch condition in children and adults is in the developmental or degenerative stage
The plantar pressure distribution system has high accuracy in judging the tendency of flat feet and arch loading, but if a medical-level diagnosis is needed, it is advisable to combine it with imaging examinations or clinical evaluations.
II. Where is the principle
The plantar pressure distribution system mainly relies on “pressure sensing plus dynamic analysis” technology to evaluate the condition of the arch, and its core ideas are as follows:
- Plantar pressure sensing, etc.
When people stand or walk, various parts of the soles of the feet will contact the ground. The system uses a pressure plate or intelligent insoles filled with sensors to record:
Heel pressure
Forefoot pressure
Pressure in the arch area
Distribution of medial and lateral pressure
Symmetry of the left and right feet
- Changes in contact area
Flat feet often indicate a lower arch. When standing upright, the contact area of the sole increases, especially in the midfoot on the medial side. The system will calculate the ratio of the load-bearing area to determine whether there is arch collapse.
- Related to pressure trajectory and center of gravity movement
Whether walking or standing, the path of the center of pressure (COP) may change. Flat feet often have symptoms such as inward deviation of the center of gravity, outward expansion of gait, and lack of propulsion force.
- Arch index and foot type scoring
Common indicators include:
Arch height index
Plantar pressure index (AI)
High medial support rate
Dynamic pressure distribution curve, etc.
The system can distinguish whether the arch is low or collapsed by model comparison.
III. What kind of people it is suitable to test
Monitoring arch development in children
Screening for flat feet or high arches
Occupational groups that stand for long periods of time
Risk assessment of sports injuries
Risk monitoring of diabetic feet
Customization of rehabilitation or orthopedic insoles
Etiological analysis of ankle, knee, and hip pain
IV. If used in stores or rehabilitation institutions
The plantar pressure system has important value:
Quick identification of foot type problems
Assistance in the recommendation of insoles or footwear
Increase customer trust and transaction rate
Tracking long-term changes in the arch
Use in health assessment or psychological persuasion
V. When further diagnosis is needed
The following cases are recommended to be used in combination with physicians or imaging examinations:
Children with obvious arch collapse
Adults with pain or abnormal gait
Suspected rigid flat feet
Presence of hereditary or joint diseases
Long-term sports injuries
