Aiming to provide foot analysis that identifies causes of pain and makes recommendations on shoe size and orthotics, the iStep Foot Scanning System from Aetrex (Teaneck, NJ) measures—in less than 30 seconds—foot size, arch type and pressure points using digital scanners and pressure sensors. Pressure-plate technology existed specifically for diabetic patients at one time, but Aetrex wanted to take this technology one step further and offer it to other medical fields and the general population, allowing them to benefit from education about their feet and help them lead a healthy and active lifestyle, says Hadas Cohen, senior marketing manager at Aetrex.
The pressure sensor technology behind the iStep involves 3,744 gold-plated barometric sensors that measure the pressure exerted by your foot every 0.25 cm2. Then, 1,326 infrared LEDs and receptors are activated and aligned every half-millimeter to ensure accurate measurement and analysis. The iStep then uses the measurements to recommend via display the correct shoe size and proper orthotic insoles that will help relieve common foot conditions such as arch pain, arthritis, corns and heel pain, as well as make recommendations to anyone who wants to be comfortable in their shoes. Looking to the future, Cohen told BioOptics World that the next step with the system will be to integrate more touch and wireless technology.
There are currently around 1,000 iStep systems in use since its introduction, and some stores—such as Oakland Medical Market (Oakland, CA)—are now offering use of the system free of charge.
To view a video of how the iStep works, please visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lnTZufaeTQ.
