Research and development at novel GmbH, Germany for prosthetics and paraplegics

Pressure distribution measurement offers an objective and quantifiable method of determining the loads applied to the human body during static and dynamic situations such as walking and the more demanding tasks associated with sporting activities. While there are various systems available on the market, the technology and developments offered by novel (novel.de) a company based in Munich, Germany are regarded as innovative. The intent of this article is to outline the development of novel's pressure measurement technology and explore how the pliance® system can assist in determining an optimal fit of a prosthesis in an athlete. The discussion also focuses on the introduction of a new Elastisens® technology of the novel sensor pads to enable analysis of very contoured surfaces. Key pressure parameters for determining optimal performance are also explored; however, clinicians and researchers are guided to acknowledging the need to direct and perform their analysis within context - in other words, the analysis must be hypothesis driven.