Techniques and Methods

The Gait Study Center of the Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine uses dynamic and structural techniques to explore foot biomechanics, as well as a number of custom-developed methods to further characterize specific foot biomechanics.

Dynamic Techniques

Plantar Pressure
Novel EMED pressure platform for determining barefoot plantar pressure and wireless Pedar in-shoe pressure measurement system that can evaluate the effectiveness of foot orthoses, braces, or shoes on loading under the foot.

3-D Motion Analysis System (Vicon)
A system of five cameras captures motion in three dimensions.

Force Plates (Kistler)
Kistler force platforms to quantify three-dimensional ground reaction forces.

Temporal and Spatial Footfall Parameters
Instrumented GaitmatII for measuring the spatial and temporal parameters of gait.

Electromyography
Delsys wireless surface EMG recording equipment for detecting muscle activation patterns.

Light-Interrupt Based Walking Speedometer
Timing circuitry records average speed of subject.

Qualitative Slow Motion Video System
Three-dimensional, five-camera-based Vicon motion analysis system to capture lower extremity motion during posture and gait.

Structural Techniques

Malleolar Valgus Index (MVI)
Static measurement of hindfoot alignment with a computer scanner.

Arch Height
Assessment of arch height to charterize foot shape and foot structure.

First Metatarsophalangeal Joint (MTPJ) Flexibility Measurement
Measurement of first metatarsophalangeal joint flexibility.

Multi-Directional Reach Test
Tests the limits of stability in four directions.

3-D Foot Scanner (INFOOT)
A three-dimensional image of the foot is obtained using the INFOOT Scanner.