ELECTRONIC SYSTEM TO MEASURE PLANTAR FORCE DISTRIBUTION IN PATIENTS

Abstract

This article describes an electronic system, projected to measure the force distribution under patients’ foot soles by instrumented soles with sensors. The system is basically composed of load cells installed in the soles, signal conditioning circuit, interfacing circuit and a computer, from which the measurement results can be read. It is possible to measure static and dynamic forces. Data visualization on the computer screen is displayed by a Visual Basic program. The system presents linear response with the applied force, small hysteresis, precision higher than 99.4%, in addition to its simple operation and handling. It could be used by sports and fitness professionals and other health area professionals to assist in the evaluation of specific programs that aim at increasing athletes’ performance.