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/Electronic device analyzes the biomechanics of the feet

Electronic device analyzes the biomechanics of the feet

Manizales N.° 56

  • The platform analyzes the biomechanics of feet.

  • According to the footprint and use of sensors and plates, different areas of the device are activated.

  • The information is then converted by software.

  • Students designers of the apparatus.

A platform with internal sensors which are activated by stepping on them generate codifiable information by using a software program. This data would be support for specialists which study this part of the human body to relieve pain.

"When a person steps on the platform, an Arduino circuit processes the information sending it to a computer and then to Matlab. We know, for instance, a patient could have a headache if there is significant pressure on the feet", said Universidad Nacional de Colombia (UNal) in Manizales Electric and Electronic Engineering students Carlos Montoya González, Estefanía Imbachi Escobar and Melqui Camacho Espitia.

"The prototype is focused on the analysis of people which have physical pain due to unawareness of stepping problems and also for sports specialists, physical therapists, and orthopedists, among others," said the students.

The biomechanics of stepping depends on the weight of the person, although it also considers other elements such as temperature, and moisture, which are determinants for the diagnosis.

"Feet have nervous ends which allow knowing which internal organs may be affected," they said.

The biomechanics of the foot is related to body posture changes; feet finger dislocation, deformities, bone overloading, walking alterations, bad blood circulation, pain in calf muscles, knees and back among other issues.

In reflexology, the area of the fingers, for instance, is connected to the brain, teeth, bone system and the ears; the center of the foot is linked to the stomach, gallbladder, kidneys and backbone; the heel to the hips, pelvis, and sciatic nerve.

"With greater weight more pressure on the platform, which according to the area is divided into blue and warm colors. When there is low pressure the former light up," said the students.

The information gathered as users step on the platform in real time indicates the area of the foot with more or less pressure. The students also add that before using the platform it is important to know the age and height of the user as well as the size and form of the foot.

"This device is easy to use and interpret; does not require significant training as the software used translates all the values provided by the stepping process," said the students.

To develop the tool, the students drew on information from specialists knowledgeable of the dynamics of the human foot and step.

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