Abstract
We proposed an improved measurement system of 3-axis stress distribution at a human sole by using small and thin 3-axis force sensors. These sensors were placed on the left shoe's insole at 8 points where are the thenar, hallux, the root of middle toe, hypothenar, the base of fifth metatarsal bone, both sides of heel, and the rear end of heel. By using the improved measurement system, the 3-axis stress distribution was measured in level walking and going up and down the slopes. Measured stresses around the heel at the heel striking in going up and down the slopes were smaller and bigger than those in level walking, respectively. In contrast, measured stresses at the forefoot except the hallux at the toe off in going up and down the slopes were bigger and smaller than those in level walking, respectively. Measured normal stresses at the hallux at the toe off were almost the same value in spite of the angle of the road surface.
