Pressure Mapping
The clinical use of sensor arrays placed in footwear or under an orthosis to record and display the spatial distribution and magnitude of plantar pressure during standing or walking.
Full Definition
Pressure mapping is a quantitative assessment tool that employs a matrix of force-sensitive sensors to capture plantar pressure data, generating colour-coded maps that indicate areas of elevated load. In orthotic services, it is used to evaluate offloading efficacy, guide orthotic modification, and monitor outcomes in high-risk populations such as those with diabetes or peripheral neuropathy. Editors should hyphenate 'pressure-mapping' only when used attributively (e.g., 'pressure-mapping system'), not as a standalone noun. The term is closely related to pedobarography but is considered a broader category that includes both static and dynamic measurement modalities.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from 'pedobarography,' which more specifically refers to the scientific measurement of foot pressure and is more commonly used in academic literature. 'Pressure mapping' is the preferred term in clinical and commercial contexts.
In Context
- "Post-orthotic pressure mapping confirmed a significant reduction in peak pressure beneath the second metatarsal head." — Clinical outcome report
- "The term 'pressure mapping' should not be hyphenated when used as a noun; reserve the hyphenated form for adjectival constructions." — Editorial style guide