Plantar pressure measurements

From Biomch-W

A variety of devices exist to measure plantar pressures. Systems usually rely on resistive or capacitive technology. An array of pressure sensors record the interface stresses underneath the region of interest. A common application area is the foot but the technology can also be used to quantify loading under different body parts, e.g. seating pressures under the buttocks. Devices have been developed both for barefoot and in-shoe measurements.

Barefoot plantar pressures are recorded using platforms, on which subjects can step on during walking. A common experimental approach is the first-step method, where the subject contacts the platform immediately following gait initiation. Different stepping protocols have also been used and evaluated against each other (Bus and Lange, Clin Biomech 20:892-9, 2005, Wearing et al., Gait Posture 10:255-63, 1999, Peters et al., J Foot Ankle Surg 41:206-12, 2002, van der Leeden et al., Foot Ankle Int 25:739-44, 2004).

In-shoe measurements are achieved by thin pressure sensing arrays usually shaped similar to insoles. The device is placed inside the shoe and the leads are connected to a data collection box. The box can be placed on the belt and data can be send to the computer in a wireless fashion or can be downloaded following the experiment. The protocol allows free movements of the subject and data collection for long durations.