Evaluation of Validity and Reliability of Plantar Pressure Measurements Using Smart Insole

Purpose We aimed to evaluate the concurrent validity and reliability of plantar pressure values obtained from smart insoles (Pedisol) by using a plantar pressure measurement device (BioRescue) and gait analyzer (Kinesis Gait) to study the potential applicability of Pedisol in the fields of balance and gait analysis. Methods We analyzed plantar pressure and gait in 35 participants. We collected data using Pedisol, BioRescue, and Kinesis Gait devices. We performed Spearman’s correlation analysis and other analyses using SPSS 18.0. Normality was assessed using the Shapiro–Wilk test, and differences between devices were compared using Paired t tests. Intrarater reliability was evaluated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and all statistical analyses were conducted at a significance level of p<0.05. Results We conducted plantar pressure analysis using Pedisol and BioRescue. Both devices demonstrated normally distributed data and the Paired t tests revealed significant differences across most variables. Spearman’s correlation analysis was used to identify correlations among the variables. In terms of intrarater reliability, Pedisol showed an ICC of ≥0.9 and BioRescue an ICC of ≥0.8, indicating high reliability for both. For gait analysis, both the Pedisol and Kinesis Gait showed high reliability, with significant differences in various gait variables. Conclusion We evaluated the validity and reliability of the smart insole Pedisol by comparing plantar pressure measurements with those of other devices such as BioRescue and Kinesis Gait. The analysis revealed that the Pedisol demonstrated high intrarater reliability and validity, with statistically significant differences. These findings suggest that Pedisol is a useful tool for balance and gait analysis in both clinical settings and daily situations. Thus, Pedisol was assessed as a tool with the potential to provide reliable data across various environments.