Question

1. What is the difference in the data measured by a Force Plate and a Pressure mat?
2. Discuss how Plantar Pressure is used to design foot orthotics.

Please help asap thank you

Answer 1

Ans:- Difference between foot plate & pressurer map:

• Both are a part of biomachanical analysis. Foot plates or foot plateforms are used to measure total force applied on the top of the plate While pressure map/mat provide impportant and actionable information which is not availed by a foot plate such as contact & peak pressure details.
• Foot plateforms are made on a rigid surface area where the client is asked to contract the center of sensor area While pressure mats are portable, easy to use & available in various designs.

ORTHOTICS: It is a medical device that is designed to fit & applied externally to person's skeletal system. It is used to restrict movement of the extrtemity & to reduce weight wearing forces.

The plantar pressure & the contact area are the main measurements used to design the foot orthotics. As one of out of orthotic function is to reduce plantar pressure & increase contact area to prevent further injury. For example in case of plantar ulcer a hollow space is kept in orthotic at the site of injury to reduce plantar pressure.

Plantar prssure is usually measured after every 3 months to increase the contact area & evaluate progress. Measurement of plantar pressure allows proper custamization of foot orthotic & will increase patient comfort & recovery.