India, Sept. 25 -- Researchers at theNational Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela haveuncovered new insights in developing low-cost indigenous force plate for measuring the multi-axial ground reaction forces (GRF).

The GRF measured from the force plates will be useful to diagnose the abnormal gait patterns.This device will also be useful in sports academics, educational institutes, hospitals and rehabilitation centres in India as it is affordable compared to the existing foreign suppliers.

The research team used the indigenously developed force plate along with the motion capture system to evaluate the heel pad stiffness in a non-invasive technique.

By studying how the heel pad, the natural cushion of the foot, behaves in people wit...