Concurrent Validity and Test–Retest Reliability of Pressure-Detecting Insoles for Static and Dynamic Movements in Healthy Young Adults

Abstract

Compared to force-plates, pressure-detecting insoles have the advantage that vertical ground reaction force (vGRF) can be estimated under field rather than laboratory conditions. However, the question arises whether insoles also provide valid and reliable results compared to a force-plate (i.e., the gold standard). The study aimed to investigate the concurrent validity and test–retest reliability of pressure-detecting insoles during static and dynamic movements. Twenty-two healthy young adults (12 females) performed standing, walking, running, and jumping movements while simultaneously collecting pressure (GP MobilData WiFi, GeBioM mbH, Münster, Germany) and force (Kistler®) data twice, 10 days apart. Concerning validity, ICC values showed excellent agreement (ICC > 0.75), irrespective of the test condition. Further, the insoles underestimated (mean bias: −4.41 to −37.15%) most of the vGRF variables. Concerning reliability, ICC values for nearly all test conditions also showed excellent agreement, and the SEM was rather low. Lastly, most of the MDC95% values were low (≤5%). The predominantly excellent ICC values for between-devices (i.e., concurrent validity) and between-visits (i.e., test–retest reliability) comparisons suggest that the tested pressure-detecting insoles can be used under field-based conditions for a valid and reliable estimation of relevant vGRF variables during standing, walking, running, and jumping.

The role of increased post-impact ball speed on plantar pressure during open and square stance groundstrokes in female tennis players

“…Mean force provides an overall measure of the pressure exerted on the foot throughout the stroke, reflecting the general load experienced by the foot. The force-time integral combines both force and duration, offering a comprehensive view of the total load over time, which is essential for understanding the cumulative impact on the foot during repeated actions.Validity as well as reliability of the pressure-detecting insole system has been shown in a previous study [ 10 ].…”

Monitoring Resistance Training in Real Time with Wearable Technology: Current Applications and Future Directions

“…On the other hand, their performance is limited by the sole’s thickness, external influences such as water, humidity, sweat, and changes in temperature, which have been considered using compensation techniques to guarantee accurate measurements. Validation studies show that insole pressure sensors have a high measurement reproducibility, although they may underestimate the vertical ground reaction force [ 63 , 64 ].…”