zebris Medical GmbH
FDM-T Technical Data and Operating Instructions
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6.8
Recommendations for recording
There are a few things one should bear in mind for obtaining significant measuring results
using the FDM-T system. The following points relate to the data recording of a person dur-
ing gait and describe the ideal measuring situation.
6.8.1 Treadmill Analysis
Walking on the treadmill is unfamiliar to most people and needs some getting used to. It is
therefore of advantage to familiarize the test person with this new type of externally con-
trolled movement of the treadmill before recording any data.
6.8.2 Data Recording
Also observe the test person during the measurement. Only use data recordings where the
foot does not extend beyond the sensor surface during roll-off.
6.8.3 Walking Speed
The walking speed during the measurement should correspond to the person's normal
walking speed. It usually takes a few minutes for the test persons to be relaxed enough for
finding their normal movement pattern again. It may well be that their speed increases dur-
ing the measurement. This should be avoided by carefully making sure that the test person
feels at ease before the measuring begins. During the data recording the speed should not
fluctuate by more than 5%.
6.8.4 Posture
The test person should adopt a relaxed posture, with the arms swing in a natural way.
Make sure that the test person looks straight ahead and not at the ground, the treadmill or
the screen, as this can influence the force distribution.
WARNING
Persons who are unsteady on their feet should make sure to hold
onto the handrail while walking on the treadmill in to avoid any dan-
ger of stumbling!
Basically, the safety features of the treadmill have to be used (safety
clip for emergency stop, crash bar).
6.8.5 Weals
Studies have proven that the peak plantar pressure is increased by 30% through weals on
the skin of a foot (P.R. Cavanagh,
The Foot
(1994) 4, 123-135). This information should be
taken into account during the measuring procedure.