Quantification of the path of center of pressure (COP) using an F-scan in-shoe transducer

By tracking the path of the center of pressure (COP) during the stance phas e, the balance and pattern of progression can be determined. The path of CO P is frequently used in clinical practice, although it is not quantified. I n this study, an F-scan pressure sensitive insole system was used to quanti fy the path of COP. The COP of initial contact and the average during the s tance phase corresponded to the center of the heel and to the center of the total plantar surface. respectively. The COP displacement corresponded to 83% of foot contact length and 18% of forefoot contact width. When the long itudinal axis of the insole was plotted as the Y-axis and the transverse ax is of the insole as X-axis, the slopes of the COP coordinates during stance phase was 6 degrees inward. Velocities of the COP during each functional r ocker action were even and 22-27 cm/s. The changes of quantified COP parame ters according to the biomechanical alteration of the foot were confirmed b y high-heeled gait. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.