Design of a modular small dimensions force platform for gait analysis

Abstract

Gait analysis of subjects with short and nonuniform gait is difficult using the common commercial force platforms. The present work consists in the design, based on finite element method (FEM) analysis, of a force platform of small dimensions (0.40x0.40 m) considering static and dynamic simulation of its behavior. The aim of this project is to improve, with a simple and low cost structure, the instrumentation available for the gait analysis of children and neurologic patients. The applicability of gait analysis to children and neurologic patients, improved the flexibility of force platforms without loosing the performance provided by traditional force platforms (e.g. for postural analysis)