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Updated: Mar 21, 2026
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Home-Based Monitor for Gait and Activity Analysis
Published on: August 8, 2019
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New Method for Monitoring Partial Weight Bearing (PWB) of Outpatients with an Independent Insole Sensor System.
Summary
Compliance with partial weight bearing (PWB) is crucial for lower limb fracture recovery. A novel insole sensor system shows even healthy individuals struggle with prescribed PWB, questioning patient adherence post-surgery.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics and Rehabilitation Engineering
- Biomedical Sensor Technology
Background:
- Partial weight bearing (PWB) is a critical post-operative protocol for lower limb fractures.
- Patient adherence to PWB significantly impacts rehabilitation outcomes.
- Current methods for monitoring PWB compliance are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a novel insole sensor system for real-time feedback and long-term measurement of PWB in outpatients.
- To assess the applicability, reliability, and validity of this new monitoring device.
- To investigate outpatient activity and load on the injured limb during the healing process.
Main Methods:
- 20 healthy subjects walked 500m with stairs, adhering to a 15 kg PWB protocol.
- A novel insole sensor system measured axial load, acceleration, and temperature.
- Insole sensor data was validated against force plate reference measurements.
Main Results:
- Subjects performed 11,106 steps; 23.6% had PWB between 10-20 kg, and 5.5% exceeded 60 kg.
- The insole sensor system demonstrated high reliability with an interclass correlation coefficient of r = 0.945.
- Mean bias was 11.58 N, with limits of agreement +/- 125 N.
Conclusions:
- The sensor sole is a promising tool for precise monitoring of outpatient PWB and limb loading.
- Results indicate that even young, healthy individuals find it difficult to maintain prescribed PWB.
- This challenges the assumption that post-operative patients can adhere to PWB instructions.
