Plantar pressure measurement systems in sports biomechanics: a review of sensor technologies and applications for performance and injury analysis

Abstract

Purpose – This paper aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of plantar pressure measurement systems used within sports biomechanics. It examines the underlying sensor technologies, their technical specifications, calibration methodologies and critically evaluates their applications in analyzing athletic performance and understanding sports-related injury mechanisms. Design/methodology/approach – An extensive literature search was conducted across multiple academic databases to identify peer-reviewed articles pertaining to plantar pressure sensors (capacitive, piezoresistive, piezoelectric, optical, micro-electro-mechanical systems [MEMS]), measurement systems (in-shoe, platform), sports biomechanics applications (running, jumping, cutting, cycling, golf, skiing, team sports), performance analysis, injury risk assessment (stress fractures, plantar fasciitis [PF], Achilles tendinopathy, patellofemoral pain, ankle instability), rehabilitation monitoring and system validation. Key information regarding sensor principles, specifications, calibration, study methodologies, findings and limitations was systematically extracted and synthesized. Findings – Various sensor technologies offer distinct advantages and disadvantages for sports biomechanics applications. Capacitive and piezoresistive sensors are prevalent in commercial systems, whereas piezoelectric, optical fiber and MEMS technologies present emerging alternatives with potential benefits in sensitivity, durability or integration. Plantar pressure data provides valuable insights into athletic performance by quantifying parameters like force distribution, Center of Pressure dynamics and loading symmetry during diverse sporting activities including running, jumping, cutting, cycling, golf and skiing. Furthermore, specific plantar pressure patterns, such as elevated regional pressures or altered loading rates, have been associated with increased risk for common sports injuries like stress fractures, PF and chronic ankle instability, although establishing definitive causality remains challenging. In-shoe systems offer ecological validity for field-based measurements crucial for sports, whereas platform systems provide higher spatial resolution suitable for laboratory analyses. Validation and calibration remain critical considerations, with significant variability reported between systems and tasks. Originality/value – This review synthesizes current knowledge across a broad spectrum of sensor technologies and their specific applications in sports biomechanics, encompassing both performance enhancement and injury analysis. It provides a comparative analysis of different measurement systems, evaluates the state-of-the-art including validation methodologies, identifies knowledge gaps and discusses future research directions, offering a valuable resource for researchers, clinicians, coaches and engineers in the field.