Wireless prototype based on pressure and bending sensors for measuring gait [corrected] quality

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Rehabilitation Technology
• Wearable Sensors

Background:

• Gait analysis is crucial for diagnosing and monitoring various neurological and musculoskeletal conditions.
• Existing gait analysis methods can be complex, expensive, and limited in real-world application.
• There is a need for accessible, accurate, and portable solutions for gait assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a novel sensor-based system for remote monitoring and evaluation of gait quality.
• To differentiate between healthy and pathological gait patterns using a wearable sensor prototype.
• To lay the foundation for a more comprehensive technological solution for gait analysis.

Main Methods:

• A custom shoe prototype was designed, integrating three pressure sensors (metatarsals, heel) and two bending sensors (ankle, foot sole).
• The hardware incorporated an Arduino mini microcontroller and a Bluetooth module for data transmission.
• Digital signal processing was employed, calculating standard deviation and empirically derived thresholds for analysis.

Main Results:

• The developed prototype achieved high accuracy rates, ranging from 85% (metatarsal sensor) to 100% (heel and bending sensors).
• The system successfully parameterized gait variables, including pressure distribution and joint movements.
• The sensor system demonstrated the ability to effectively distinguish between healthy and pathological gait patterns.

Conclusions:

• The developed sensor-based shoe prototype offers a reliable and accurate method for gait quality assessment.
• This technology provides a foundation for developing advanced, integrated solutions for remote patient monitoring and diagnostics.
• The system holds potential for improving the early detection and management of gait-related pathologies.