Measurement Methods and Data of Plantar Pressure Distribution Tester

‍The plantar pressure distribution tester is a device that adopts the resistance principle of high-sensitivity pressure sensors to collect dynamic pressure data of human soles, acquire key mechanical information and pressure data, and generate visual gait analysis reports.

The main data measured by the plantar pressure tester include: total plantar pressure, peak pressure, center of pressure trajectory, gait cycle, ground contact time, flight time, step frequency, walking speed, step length, step width, left and right support phase time, left and right swing phase time, forefoot pressure ratio, midfoot pressure ratio, heel pressure ratio; first metatarsal head pressure, second metatarsal head pressure, third metatarsal head pressure, fourth metatarsal head pressure, fifth metatarsal head pressure, hallux pressure, residual toe pressure, medial arch pressure, lateral arch pressure, medial heel pressure, lateral heel pressure; impulse distribution, pressure-time integral, maximum force value, average force value, plantar contact area, footprint index; X-axis coordinate of center of pressure, Y-axis coordinate of center of pressure, swing amplitude of center of pressure; foot eversion angle, foot inversion angle, ground contact angle, take-off angle and so on.

These measured data can be applied in the following fields.

1. Gait abnormality and posture evaluation.

It evaluates gait patterns based on basic data such as center of pressure trajectory and left and right support phase time, judges the presence of leg length discrepancy or pelvic tilt, and avoids compensatory injuries. The involved measurement data: center of pressure trajectory, gait cycle, ground contact time, left and right support phase time, step length, step width.

3. Customization of functional insoles.

It customizes functional insoles for people in need through comprehensive plantar pressure distribution and contact area data, balances plantar pressure distribution, and helps improve lower limb force lines.

The main involved data include: pressure values of all areas, impulse, contact area, pressure-time integral data and pressure heat map data.

4. Sports performance optimization.

It selects appropriate training schemes according to ground contact time and peak pressure (such as optimizing forefoot pedaling force for sprinters and landing buffering for long-distance runners) to improve sports efficiency.

The involved measurement data include: ground contact time, flight time, peak pressure, maximum force value, step frequency, walking speed.

5. Diabetic foot risk screening.

It provides a complete plantar high-pressure point distribution model for personalized customized decompression schemes to prevent ulcers and lesions caused by excessive local pressure.

The core involved data include: pressure heat map data, as well as the maximum pressure and pressure-time integral data of each metatarsal head area.

6. Left and right side balance analysis.

It compares the force bearing differences between the two feet, finds compensatory problems (such as differences in left and right foot impulse, contact area and support time), and conducts timely attention and intervention.

The main involved data include: all pressure and time measurement items divided by left and right sides.

The measurement methods of the plantar pressure distribution tester are as follows:

Before the measurement, the tester shall take off shoes and socks and clean the sweat stains on the soles of the feet.

Then walk or stand on the pressure plate area and operate step by step according to the prompts on the device screen.

During the measurement, keep the body naturally upright, look straight ahead, maintain a natural and stable gait, and ensure that both feet fully step on the pressure sensing area.

The entire measurement process can be completed in about several gait cycles. It can not only obtain mechanical data such as pressure heat maps, but also generate visual analysis reports. Through the analysis reports, we can fully understand the plantar force bearing and gait health status.