Basics of Pedobarography

The concept of pedobarography that examines the plantar pressure distribution has been studied since the 1930s. Over time, various devices such as floor-mounted pressure walkways and in-shoe pressure sensors have been developed to measure different aspects of plantar pressure. There are two primary approaches to plantar pressure measurement: platform-based and insole-based systems. The former provides a more comprehensive and accurate assessment, while the latter allows examination in a more natural environment with a larger number of steps. Pedobarography has been used to evaluate several pathological conditions affecting the pressure distribution of the foot, including diabetic foot ulcers and foot deformities, among others. The data provided also helps enhance the functionality of orthopedic insoles, which have long been used to correct anatomical malalignments and alleviate symptoms. Despite many advancements in the field of pedobarography, integrating it into the standard of care faces challenges due to the complex nature of its data and the lack of sufficient evidence for its specific applications in individual pathologies. However, the advent of artificial intelligence (AI) seems to provide a silver lining, potentially overcoming many of these challenges. Analyzing vast amounts of pedobarography data using AI algorithms could lead to more accurate diagnoses and treatment recommendations based on patterns identified within large datasets.