Plantar pressure sensor is a high-precision sensor used to measure the stress conditions in different areas of the sole of the foot. It is widely used in medical rehabilitation, sports science, orthopedic insole design and gait analysis.

Plant pressure distribution system

1. Working principle of plantar pressure sensor

The core principle of plantar pressure sensor is pressure detection. It mainly relies on capacitive, piezoresistive or piezoelectric sensing technology to measure the contact pressure changes between the sole of the foot and the ground, and converts these pressure signals into analyzable data.

(1) Pressure detection method

① Piezoresistive sensor

Principle: Under pressure, the resistance of the conductive polymer or metal film inside the sensor changes, and the resistance value is inversely proportional to the pressure.

Features: Low cost, fast response speed, suitable for dynamic gait analysis.

Application: Widely used in plantar pressure insoles and gait test systems.

② Capacitive sensor

Principle: Under pressure, the electrode spacing of the sensor changes, resulting in a change in capacitance. The system calculates the pressure value through the change in capacitance.

Features: high precision, good stability, suitable for precise plantar biomechanics research.

Application: medical plantar pressure testing, high-end sports science analysis.

③ Piezoelectric Sensor

Principle: When pressure acts on the sensor, the piezoelectric material (such as quartz, PVDF) generates a charge signal, and the amount of charge is proportional to the applied pressure.

Features: strong dynamic response capability, suitable for high-frequency gait research, such as running gait analysis.

Application: sports science, plantar injury research, rehabilitation training evaluation.

(2) Data transmission and analysis

The pressure data collected by the sensor is transmitted to a computer or mobile device via **wired (USB) or wireless (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi), and processed by gait analysis software to generate plantar pressure heat map, center of gravity trajectory, gait cycle and other data.

2. The main functions of plantar pressure sensors

(1) Plantar pressure distribution analysis

Monitor the pressure distribution in different areas of the sole when standing or walking

Evaluate arch types, such as flat feet and high arches

Discover abnormal stress areas in the foot and prevent plantar ulcers (such as diabetic foot)

(2) Gait analysis and gait correction

Record gait characteristics such as gait cycle, step length, and step frequency

Evaluate abnormal gait, such as inversion and valgus, and gait asymmetry

Provide gait correction solutions, such as customized orthopedic insoles and orthopedic shoes

(3) Sports injury assessment and prevention

Monitor the force pattern of athletes' soles when running and optimize training methods

Evaluate the risk of sports injuries, such as Achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis

Design personalized sports insoles to improve cushioning and support

(4) Medical rehabilitation and orthopedic device customization

Evaluate gait changes in patients with neurological diseases (such as stroke and Parkinson's disease)

Help postoperative rehabilitation patients monitor gait recovery progress

Customize 3D printed orthopedic insoles to improve plantar pressure distribution

(5) Fall risk assessment for the elderly

Monitor the balance ability of the elderly and analyze gait stability

Predict the risk of falling and provide gait training suggestions

Combined with gait training, improve the walking safety of the elderly

3. Application areas of plantar pressure sensors

Medical rehabilitation: evaluate gait abnormalities and assist postoperative rehabilitation training

Foot disease diagnosis: identify problems such as diabetic foot, hallux valgus, plantar fasciitis, etc.

Sports science: optimize sports gait and reduce the risk of sports injuries

Orthopedic insole design: provide personalized plantar support solutions

Elderly health management: predict the risk of falling and improve walking stability

Plare pressure sensors measure the pressure distribution of the sole of the foot through piezoresistive, capacitive or piezoelectric technology, and convert the data into gait analysis information.

 It plays an important role in medical rehabilitation, gait correction, sports science and customization of orthopedic devices.

 It can effectively help diagnose foot diseases, prevent sports injuries and optimize gait, and provide accurate data support for personalized medical care and sports training.