Podiatry Unit: Biomechanics and gait study

A worldwide patent from Podoactiva to design foot moulds, both physical and virtual. This scanner helps us obtain a virtual image of the foot by laser, stepping through an elastic membrane, with adjustable tension, which achieves an optimal geometry for the subsequent design of the personalised insole. When the mould is obtained directly by placing the foot on the glass, as is the case with other scanners available on the market, both the image of the heel and the forefoot are flattened and the plantar arch is significantly reduced. This exclusive system from Podoactiva allows us to obtain a virtual image with an accuracy of one micron and in a real situation of patient load, registering the soft tissue and simulating the situation inside the shoe.

Once the virtual mould has been obtained, Podoactiva’s engineering department designs the insole using specific Podoactiva software which applies finite element calculation concepts (a system exclusive to Podoactiva worldwide) to enable a virtual simulation of the behaviour of the insole in the patient’s foot, taking into account its geometry, weight and dynamics.

This is a biomechanical analysis system that uses inertial sensors to measure and record different aspects of human body movement. Inertial sensors are small, lightweight electronic devices that measure acceleration and angular velocity in three dimensions and are placed on different parts of the body, such as the feet, legs, trunk and arms. These sensors are able to measure body movements in real time, and the data is transmitted to specialised software that processes and analyses it. It is mainly used in gait and sports movement analysis. With the data obtained, we can identify abnormal or inefficient movement patterns and design personalised treatment and training plans for each individual.

These are designed to correct biomechanical problems of the foot and gait, such as excessive pronation, supination, flat feet or pes cavus, among others issues. They can also help reduce pain and improve physical function in different conditions, including plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, metatarsalgia, tendonitis, and so on. In addition, Podoactiva insoles can be adapted to different types of footwear and activities, such as running, walking, work or specific sports. They can also be updated and modified as the patient’s physical activity changes or evolves.