Quantitative evaluation of walking style from the temporal and spatial tracks of sole pressure points

For effective guidance of walking, the authors developed a quantitative method for evaluating the quality of walking based on physical feature parameters reflecting the views of specialists in walking guidance. The concept of “quality of walking” comprises foot movement, balance, including the upper body, and the aesthetic aspect. This study focuses on foot movement, which allows easy relation of subjective evaluation and physical features. Specifically, two physical features were investigated, which are considered the important requirements in assuring balance in foot movement. They are (1) supination of the sole (after the heel strike, the center of gravity passes slightly outside the body) and (2) rolling (the sole is used successively from heel to toe). The track of the sole pressure point was measured with a pressure sensor, and the difference between the instructor and the learner was represented by spatial and temporal feature parameters. The multiple regression equations for the two feature parameters and the comprehensive evaluation by visual inspection by the instructor were compared. It was found that these feature parameters are useful as evaluation parameters for the quality of walking (with a contribution ratio of approximately 50%). An experimental evaluation device for walking with the data visualization tool was constructed, which implements the estimation function for the quality of walking. It is found that the device can be helpful in the actual guidance of walking.