Modern gait analysis: a tool to improve shoes, insoles and the understanding of foot function.

The success of orthopedic devices such as orthotics, insoles, and special shoes is and was in most cases judged retrospectively by the long- or short-term outcome. The techniques of modern gait analysis can be used to quantitatively measure the effect of these orthopedic devices on foot function and foot loading. The different techniques of gait analysis together with their advantages and disadvantages are presented and their possibilities demonstrated with examples of applications. Pressure distribution measurements are emphasized, since this technology is the furthest developed and the easiest to use for the assessment of orthopedic devices.