The EMED System of foot pressure analysis

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Podiatry
• Medical Engineering

Background:

• Plantar foot pressure distribution provides critical data on lower extremity biomechanics.
• Understanding foot loading characteristics is essential for diagnosing and treating functional foot problems.
• Existing methods may not fully capture the dynamic nature of foot function during locomotion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the EMED System, a modular platform for measuring plantar foot pressure.
• To differentiate between static and dynamic pressure measurement capabilities.
• To highlight the system's utility in clinical diagnosis and functional analysis of the lower extremity.

Main Methods:

• The EMED System utilizes individual modules for pressure measurement under the plantar foot.
• Distinguishes between static (standing) and dynamic (locomotion) measurement modes.
• Employs EMED-Intern or EMED-Extern software for automatic calculation of key gait parameters.

Main Results:

• Dynamic measurements capture foot loading during the stance phase of gait.
• Quantifiable parameters include foot length/width changes, gait angle, and pressure points.
• The system provides data for detailed analysis of foot function.

Conclusions:

• The EMED System offers a comprehensive tool for assessing lower extremity loading.
• Dynamic pressure analysis is vital for understanding functional foot mechanics.
• The system aids clinicians and researchers in diagnosis, therapy, and functional analysis.