Electronic measurement system of foot plantar pressure

Abstract

Purpose -This paper aims to present a prototype of the diagnostic system for the examination of the distribution of the force applied by foot to substrate during usual human moving. Presented system is competitive to other currently available devices, thanks to sensors reliability, user-friendly operation manner and design based on cheap parts. The results of examinations are transmitted by radiomodem. Its recording and visualization are possible on either personal or mobile computers. Design/methodology/approach -During selection of the sensors substrate, many polymeric electrets were examined. Polyvinylidene fluoride films were selected, because they have good charge uniformity across the surface, wide range of acceptable temperatures, linear relation between mechanical stress and output signal and high resistance for squeezing. The system measures the charge generated in film. Findings -The pressures are recorded in relation to maximum value; therefore, measuring system does not require calibration. The simultaneous recording of data from all eight sensors allows tracking the signal without distortion. Originality/value -An array of sensors is installed in the shoe insole. The measuring device is fixed to the outer surface of the shoe. Its weight is 75 g. The range of transmission is suitable for examination in the natural environment, outside traditional consulting room. Software is dedicated for analysis of the pressure distribution in every moment of the foot movement. The system is suitable for examination of flat feet, diabetic foot and recovery progress after injures.

Quantitative Analysis of Foot Plantar Pressure During Walking

“…For dynamic analysis, the Footpressure ITE System was used, which consists of measuring a shoe’s insole with a device fixed to the outer surface of a shoe that registers and transmits data [13,14] (Figure 1). The insole measuring uses 8 piezoelectric sensors, distributed in foot regions as defined by Blomgren and Lorkowski (Figure 2) [9,10,15].…”

Plantar pressure measurement system based on piezoelectric sensor: a review

“…In 2014 and 2016, Klimiec et al successively designed two wireless measurement systems assembled eight piezoelectric sensors with 1.5 cm 2 each measurement area (Klimiec et al, 2016;Klimiec et al, 2014). Measurement positions are heel (H), lateran midfoot, medial midfoot (MM), metatarsal (MT, MT1), great toe (GT), lesser toes (LT), as presented in Figure 4.…”

Plantar Pressure‐Based Insole Gait Monitoring Techniques for Diseases Monitoring and Analysis: A Review

“…The organic piezoelectric materials show outstanding mechanical flexibility and mechanical durability. [ 68–71 ] Its representative—polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) film is the most widely used piezoelectric material in plantar pressure detection. However, the low piezoelectric coefficient (<30 pC N −1 ) of PVDF hinders the further improvement of the sensor performance.…”

“…Klimiec et al. [ 71 ] developed a prototype with eight piezoelectric sensors for flatfoot and diabetic foot diagnosis. In order to minimize the crosstalk from other axials, rigid substrates are fixed on each sensor, experimentally allowing tacking of the eight points without distortion; however, the set of rigid structure will cause discomfort during walking.…”