3D DIAGNOSTIC BAROPODOMETER

An advanced technology to overcome the constraints of current platforms

The measure of plantar pressure has followed a targeted technological path to get to a system that can detect a correct and spontaneous deambulation. Since 1985, year of introduction of the 32x32cm platform with 1 sensor per cm2, called Baropodometro*, we passed, 10 years later, to the modular platform** with an acquisition surface of 120x40cm with 4800 sensors (1 sensor each cm2). Over the years, many pressure detection systems have been introduced, contributing to the disclosure of this examination. In 2006, progress allowed to have a platform with a greater definition (4 sensors per cm2) and with a longer surface (cm 160x40), which integrates optoelectronic systems for the study of posture and which was called “Digitalized Biometry” ***

The diagnostic possibilities of baropodometry, in the clinic and in the diagnosis, are often questioned by clinicians due to non-repeatable and unrelated data to the pathology. These limitations are due to the use of platforms with few sensors, which do not define in detail the foot, or single platforms, in which the dynamic acquisition involves a muscle-tendon contraction and a greater impact for the required concentration to the patient in rolling. But also to systems without a validated parameters of normality to refer to, handled without pre-examination procedures, and frequently used for the purpose of mere spectacularization.

These factors have imposed the need to standardize the baropodometric and biometric methodology in the calibration procedures, in the exams execution and in the presentation of the data, in order to ensure investigation quality, with a proper technology to respond to a scientifically validable diagnostic.

The need for a diagnostic tool for clinical use, repeatable and reliable, to objectively study the plantar support and posture, was crucial in the creation of 3D Diagnostic Baropodometer, expandable innovative patented technology platform ****, characterized by the absence of the current platforms constraints:

- Elimination of side increases at the edges of the platform, to avoid instability of the patient while walking;

- Enlargement of the acquisition surface up to 4 meters in length to standardize the walk cycle, functional unit of clinical reference, outlining biomechanical events and musclular activities while walking;

- Enlargement of the surface at 1 meter in width for a static test without forcing the patient to reduce the support polygon, by changing the opening of the lower limbs, even more evident conditioning in the dynamic test;

- Increasing of the resolution to 7 sensors each cm2, the highest in the world, to present the foot as real as possible, with detail of the various areas (rearfoot, midfoot, forefoot and toes), medial and lateral.

The 3D Diagnostic Baropodometer, Diasu brand, exclusive Sa.Ni Corporate, is available in models from 2, 3 and 4 meters, with a width of 1 meter to analyze "step and path pressure". In order to allow constraints free evaluations, it is installed in a dedicated room, where the patient can spontaneously walk on the platform, while the operator, placed outside, to not influence the patient and to ensure repeatable data, watches the proper execution of the baropodometric and stabilometric tests, acquiring the body-structure through self-calibrating cameras, processed in 3D in the form of a bone structure, with spinal column curves, lower limb length and height of the plantar arch.

The processing is performed by BioMetricSoftware, a self-learner program, developed with the most advanced procedures and techniques of calculation, on the basis of the experiences gained here, with new evaluation parameters, 3D pressure analysis in real-time, advanced podalic formulas and accurate data available on cloud for online reports, through a dedicated network (TelePosturology).

* Baropodometer: Name of invention trademark filed by by the researcher Piero Galasso; **Modular platform, international patent of the researcher Piero Galasso; *** Digitalized Biometry presented by the researcher Piero Galasso at the XXXIV National Congress SIMFER; ****Expandable platform, international patent of the researcher Piero Galasso