What is the significance of measuring plantar pressure with a gait analysis system?

A gait analysis system can measure the pressure distribution on the sole of the foot when a person is standing still or in an upright posture.

So, what is the significance of measuring plantar (sole) pressure?

1. Assessing foot health based on measured plantar pressure distribution data, such as identifying flat feet, high arches, or the risk of diabetic foot.

For example, the detection principle for flat feet is as follows:

In a normal foot, the arch has a natural bridge-like structure. This structure provides cushioning and helps disperse pressure.

In a normal foot, when a person is standing or walking, pressure is mainly concentrated on the heel, the inner forefoot (first metatarsal head), and the outer forefoot (fifth metatarsal head). The arch bears almost no pressure.

In flat feet, the arch of the sole almost disappears and may even come into direct contact with the ground. This area then bears pressure that it is not supposed to تحمل.

When the arch area bears excessive pressure, it can easily lead to abnormal lower-limb alignment, compensatory lower back pain, plantar pain, and even difficulty walking.

If someone has flat feet, measurement through a gait analysis system will show in the report a large high-pressure area in the midfoot region. Of course, the evaluation standards are based on corresponding scientific reference data.

This kind of intuitive data presentation allows for a more scientific assessment of foot abnormalities, helping us better maintain foot health.

2. Application in the design and production of corrective insoles

Through measurements from a gait analysis system, we can obtain the distribution of plantar pressure and identify which areas have excessive pressure and which have insufficient pressure.

We can then make targeted designs based on this data. For example, for a collapsed arch or areas in the arch region with high pressure, appropriate arch support can be added.

For localized high pressure in the forefoot, pressure redistribution design can be applied.

For unstable force bearing in the heel, a deeper heel cup and enhanced stabilization control design can be used.