Can NIT Rourkela’s Indigenous Device Alleviate Heel Pain?
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Synopsis
Discover how NIT Rourkela's innovative force plate is revolutionizing the diagnosis and treatment of heel pain, making advanced technology accessible to everyone. This affordable solution not only enhances gait profiling but also significantly reduces costs compared to imported devices. Learn more about its impact on sports and rehabilitation in India.
Key Takeaways
- Innovative Force Plate: Developed by NIT Rourkela to diagnose and treat heel pain.
- Cost-Effective: Priced between Rs 8 to 10 lakhs, compared to Rs 30-50 lakhs for imports.
- Multi-Axial Measurement: Measures ground reaction forces for accurate gait analysis.
- Broader Accessibility: Aims to benefit sports academies, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers across India.
- Addressing Public Health: Tackles a prevalent issue affecting adult foot health.
New Delhi, Sep 25 (NationPress) Researchers at the National Institute of Technology Rourkela (NIT Rourkela) have created an affordable and locally developed force plate designed to improve gait profiling and facilitate superior footwear development and treatment strategies aimed at alleviating heel pain.
Heel pain is among the most prevalent foot disorders affecting adults, often attributed to the overloading of the plantar fascia, which is a band of tissue that supports the foot's arch.
However, alterations in the heel pad—comprised of fatty tissue beneath the heel—can also lead to this issue. The heel pad functions as a shock absorber during standing, running, or walking. When subjected to excessive stress, it loses its ability to cushion the foot, resulting in pain and discomfort. Contributing factors can include aging, injury, obesity, diabetes, and poorly fitting footwear.
The innovative force plate operates by assessing multi-axial ground reaction forces (GRF). These GRF measurements are critical for diagnosing abnormal gait patterns.
This device is set to benefit sports academies, educational institutions, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers across India, as it is significantly more cost-effective than existing foreign alternatives.
“Many neuromuscular disorders impact an individual's gait pattern. Since proper gait relies on precise coordination of muscle strength and balance, any disturbances can lead to changes in walking patterns and corresponding GRF,” stated Prof. A. Thirugnanam from IIT Roorkee.
“Common neuromuscular conditions such as myopathies, peripheral neuropathies, disorders of the neuromuscular junction, spasticity, ataxia, Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy, and others can modify the GRF. Using the force plate, these GRF abnormalities can be effectively diagnosed,” Thirugnanam added.
Globally, force plates are recognized as vital diagnostic tools for evaluating human musculoskeletal health. However, due to high costs and a scarcity of Indian manufacturers, their availability in India has been limited.
Typically, imported force plates range between Rs 30-50 lakhs. In contrast, the newly developed indigenous force plate is expected to be priced between Rs 8 to 10 lakhs (approximately), resulting in a cost reduction of nearly 70-85%, making it a far more accessible option.
Point of View
The advancements made by NIT Rourkela in developing a cost-effective force plate underscore India's growing capabilities in healthcare technology. This indigenous innovation not only addresses a significant public health issue—heel pain—but also reflects a commitment to making healthcare more accessible and affordable for all citizens. Such initiatives are crucial for enhancing the quality of life and promoting wellness in the community.
NationPress
25/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the newly developed force plate?
The force plate is designed to enhance gait profiling and improve footwear development and treatment strategies aimed at reducing heel pain.
How does the force plate work?
It measures multi-axial ground reaction forces (GRF), which are then used to diagnose abnormal gait patterns.
Why is this device significant for India?
It offers a cost-effective alternative to expensive imported devices, making advanced diagnostics more accessible in sports and rehabilitation.
What conditions can affect ground reaction forces?
Conditions such as myopathies, peripheral neuropathies, and various neuromuscular disorders can alter GRF, which can be diagnosed using the force plate.
How much can the indigenous force plate cost?
The new force plate is expected to cost between Rs 8 to 10 lakhs, significantly less than imported models which range from Rs 30-50 lakhs.
