A foot pressure plate is a biomechanical testing tool used to assess the distribution of force borne by the sole of the foot and gait conditions, and its principle is based on the combined use of pressure sensors and a dynamic data acquisition system.
The function of the foot pressure plate is to convert the force between the sole of the foot and the ground into electrical signals, which, after algorithms, become pressure distribution maps, gait parameters, and relevant mechanical parameters.
The foot pressure plate is composed of highly sensitive pressure sensing units embedded in it (for example resistive, capacitive, or piezoelectric sensors), and these sensing points are distributed on the detection surface in a regular array form.
When the sole comes into contact with the pressure plate, the loads of different parts of the foot (such as the heel, metatarsal heads, arch, and forefoot, etc.) act on the sensors. The sensors produce corresponding physical signal changes according to the size of the force, such as changes in resistance, piezoelectric charge, or capacitance. Then the signals are converted into digital data and transmitted to the data processing system through integrated circuits.
In a static state, the pressure plate can measure the center of weight-bearing of the sole, the proportion of the arch load area, and the symmetry of both feet.
In dynamic gait detection, the working frequency of the pressure plate (generally 50 Hz–500 Hz) can capture the changes in sole pressure over time during walking, running, and standing.
The system performs time-series analysis to obtain stride length, step frequency, landing sequence, propulsion force direction, and duration of the support phase. Pressure distribution maps are generally represented with pseudocolor images, and high-pressure and low-pressure areas can be clearly distinguished, which facilitates clinical or sports analysis.
Advantages: non-invasive detection, highly sensitive mechanical response, real-time capture of dynamic gait processes, etc. Through the quantification of plantar contact area, peak pressure, and the force transmission path of the ankle-knee-hip line, it can assist in judging flat feet, high arches, diabetic feet, varus and valgus abnormalities, sports injury risks, and gait imbalance.
In addition, pressure plate data can be applied to personalized insole design, postoperative rehabilitation evaluation, and sports training optimization.
