On the Measurement of Average Foot Pressure and Ground Reactions During Walking Cycle

Abstract

In a number of studies associated with the deformities of the foot in general and the occurance of plantar ulcer in particular it is required to have an accurate estimate of the average normal and shear pressure variation arising from ground reaction during the walking cycle. This necessitates the measurement of the instantanious area of contact between foot and ground along with the forces. The present paper describes for the first time such a system in which quantitative out-put of the following parameters can be monitored during the walking cycle. (1) Instantanious component forces of the foot-ground reaction (Fv , Fh and Fi ) (2) Instantanious area of contact between foot and ground during the walking cycle (A) (3) Instantanious average normal and shear stress on the underside of foot during the walking cycle.