A quantitative method of measuring the distribution of forces under the different regions of the human foot: during normal and abnormal gait

A technique for measuring the distribution of forces under different regions of the normal foot and that of a below-knee amputee´s prosthetic foot is described. The results show that forces are symmetrically distributed for a normal subject when compared with an amputee. It is concluded from this study that: (a) the force measuring shoe can detect subtle differences between normal and abnormal gait; (b) it can assist in the rehabilitation of an amputee and other types of abnormal gait; and (c) it can aid an amputee in the development of a more normal gait