How does a plantar pressure distribution pressure plate assess high arches and flat feet?

The plantar pressure distribution pressure plate mainly collects plantar pressure data under conditions such as standing and walking through pressure sensors, and digitally presents the pressure distribution of different areas of the foot.

The plantar pressure distribution pressure plate mainly measures changes in plantar pressure during static standing, walking, and other movement conditions, while when conducting high-arch and flat-foot assessments, it mainly analyzes the condition by observing the pressure distribution, contact area, and pressure changes in different areas of the plantar surface, with the main focus being on the loading condition of the arch area.

This type of equipment can be used for screening and assessment of high arches and flat feet.

Currently, in plantar pressure distribution systems, the following indicators are commonly used for quantitative analysis of flat feet and high arches:

1. Arch Index (AI, area-based method, the most commonly used).

Its calculation formula is: AI = Midfoot Contact Area ÷ Total Plantar Area Excluding the Toes.

A lower AI value usually means that the midfoot contact area is smaller, meaning that the arch area has less contact with the ground, which may indicate a high arch.

When the AI is within the normal reference range, it is usually assessed as a normal arch.

A higher AI value usually means that the midfoot contact area is larger, which may be assessed as a flat foot; the higher the value, the more pronounced the contact in the midfoot area usually is.

2. Plantar pressure distribution and regional pressure ratio.

Its main analysis method is as follows:

By observing the pressure distribution and pressure ratio in different areas of the forefoot, midfoot, and rearfoot, the loading condition of the arch area is analyzed.

When the pressure and contact area in the midfoot area increase significantly, it usually indicates that the supporting ability of the arch may have decreased, which may appear as a flat foot.

When pressure is relatively concentrated in the forefoot and heel areas, while pressure and contact in the midfoot area are significantly reduced, it usually indicates that the arch is relatively high, which may appear as a high arch.

3. Dynamic plantar pressure changes.

Its main analysis method is as follows:

By recording continuous changes in plantar pressure during walking, the pressure transfer during different stages, such as heel strike, midfoot loading, and forefoot push-off, is observed.

When relatively obvious pressure and contact appear in the midfoot area during dynamic walking, it may indicate that the arch drops during weight-bearing.

When pressure is relatively concentrated in the forefoot and heel areas, while the midfoot area participates less in weight-bearing, it may indicate a relatively high arch.

Flat feet and high arches can both show different digital pressure characteristics on a plantar pressure distribution pressure plate.

On a plantar pressure distribution pressure plate, flat feet usually appear as an increased contact area in the midfoot region, with the pressure distribution extending toward the midfoot, while high arches usually appear as pressure being more concentrated in the forefoot and heel, with relatively less contact and pressure in the midfoot region.

During a static standing test, the plantar pressure distribution of flat feet is usually more extensive, with more pronounced weight-bearing in the midfoot area, while high arches usually show less midfoot contact, with pressure relatively more concentrated in the forefoot and heel areas.

However, the plantar pressure distribution pressure plate can perform dynamic measurements and can collect pressure changes throughout an entire gait cycle, which allows for a more comprehensive analysis of the loading condition of the foot during walking.

Of course, for most application scenarios, the plantar pressure distribution pressure plate is also sufficient for screening conditions such as flat feet and high arches, as well as other abnormalities in foot structure and function.

In many application scenarios, plantar pressure distribution pressure plates and 3D foot scanners are used together, such as in custom orthotic insoles and custom shoe design and manufacturing, where the two are often combined for measurement, personalized design, and corrective design, using three-dimensional foot data for foot modeling and plantar pressure data for foot support and cushioning design.

However, it should be noted that digital equipment is a screening and assessment tool and cannot be directly equated with a medical diagnosis; if structural flat feet / high arches need to be diagnosed, an orthopedic doctor will make a comprehensive assessment based on physical examination + foot imaging examinations.