• Appropriateness of plantar pressure measurement devices: A comparative technical assessment
Accurate plantar pressuremeasurements are mandatory in both clinical and research contexts. Differences in accuracy, precision and reliability of the available devices have prevented so far the onset of standardization processes or the definition of reliable reference datasets. In order to comparatively assess the appropriateness of the most used pressure measurement devices (PMD) on-the-market, in 2006 the Institute the author is working for approved a two-year scientific project aimed to design, validate and implement dedicated testingmethods for both in-factory and on-the field assessment. A first testing phase was also performed which finished in December 2008. Five commercial PMDs using different technologies—resistive, elastomer-based capacitive, air-based capacitive—were assessed and compared with respect to absolute pressure measurements, hysteresis, creep and COP estimation.
• Detection of gait events using an F-Scan in-shoe pressure measurement system
A portable system capable of accurate detection of initial contact (IC) and foot off (FO) without adding encumbrance to the subject would be extremely useful in many gait analysis applications. Force platforms represent the gold standard method for determining these events and other methods including foot switches and kinematic data have also been proposed. These approaches, however, present limitations in terms of the number of steps that can be analysed per trial, the portability for outdoor measurements or the information needed beforehand. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the F-Scan Mobile pressure measurement system when detecting IC and FO.
• Differences in plantar loading between flat and normal feet during different athletic tasks
The purpose of this study was to determine if foot type (flat or normal) resulted in loading differences during four sport-specific tasks (cross-cut, side-cut, shuttle run, and landing from a simulated lay-up). Twenty-two healthy subjects (12 normal feet and 10 flat feet) completed five trials in each condition, while in-shoe pressure data was collected at 50 Hz.
• Evaluation of pressure insoles during running
Pressure insoles could be a useful tool for measuring vertical ground reaction forces during field tests. However, several studies have indicated problems that can affect the reliability of the output of the insoles. The aim of this study was to test the reliability, durability and repeatability of Tekscan F-scan pressure insoles with 2 running tests in combination with walks across and jumps on a force platform. During the both running tests in this paper the sensitivity of the pressure insoles deteriorated rapidly. A comparison of the force output of the pressure insoles and force platform during walks and jumps showed clear differences in both the shape and magnitude of the force curves. The rapid decrease in sensitivity and frequent need of calibration of the pressure insoles make the pressure insoles not reliable and practical enough for measuring vertical ground reaction forces during running.
• Hardware performance assessment recommendations and tools for baropodometric sensor systems
Accurate plantar pressure measurements are mandatory in both clinical and research contexts. Differences in accuracy, precision, reliability of pressure measurement devices (PMDs) prevented so far the onset of standardization processes and of reliable reference datasets. The Italian National Institute of Health (ISS) approved and conducted a scientific project aimed to design, validate and implement dedicated testing methods for both in-factory and on-the-field PMD assessment. A general-purpose experimental set-up was built, complete and suitable for the assessment of PMDs based on different sensor technology, electronic conditioning and mechanical solutions.
• Normative data for the dynamic pedobarographic profiles of children
In order to establish the clinical utility of pedobarography in the treatment of childhood foot pathology, a reliable set of pedobarograph data describing non-pathologic feet is required. The purpose of this study was to describe the pedobarographic profiles of normal children across all ages, with specific focus on young children and explore age-related differences in foot pressure patterns. The Tekscan HR Mat pressure measurement system was used in a protocol involving a dynamic test at self-selected speed and walking pattern of 146 normal children (age range 1.6–14.9 years).
• Plantar pressure measurements using an in-shoe system and a pressure platform: A comparison
This study compared three different foot-pressure measurement methods to investigate whether these measurement methods could or should be used interchangeably. In-shoe pressure measurements using F-Scan system, shod and unshod pressure measurements using the MatScan system were taken for each of the 21 healthy subjects while performing walking trials using a two-step gait initiation protocol.