Design of portable foot pressure distribution measurement device for performance analysis and injury prevention in the sport of rowing

Abstract

The aim and objective of our research study is to develop a portable foot pressure distribution measurement device for
performance analysis and injury prevention in the sport of rowing. The device was developed using Force sensing resistors
(FSR) to measure the foot pressure distribution. The study was conducted on two classes of rowers namely experienced and
novice level to understand the effect of these parameters in their overall performance. The output data is correlated with the
existing standard measurement modalities which is the BATLogic system. The results obtained showed that the peak foot
pressure distribution was concentrated more in the forefoot region in professional rowers while in novice rowers the peak
foot pressure was distributed equally in both forefoot and rearfoot region and results obtained from the device were in close
accordance with the existing measurement techniques. The developed prototype could be used as a point of Care monitoring
system for biomechanical analysis and injury prevention for the athletes