Quantifying Functional Difference in Centre of Pressure Post Achilles Tendon Rupture using Sensor Insoles

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Rehabilitation Engineering
• Medical Technology

Background:

• Objective quantification of gait and mobility is advancing with new technologies.
• Wearable, inertial, optical, and location-based systems offer scalable solutions for clinical and home settings.
• Sensorised insoles provide detailed foot pressure distribution data.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose sensor-agnostic metrics derived from sensorised insoles for quantifying foot mobility.
• To assess biomechanical foot dysfunction by comparing pressure distribution between affected and healthy limbs.
• To evaluate the utility of these metrics in patients post-Achilles tendon rupture.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing sensorised insoles to measure pressure distribution through each foot during ground contact.
• Profiling pressure application points over successive steps.
• Comparing derived metrics between affected and unaffected limbs in a patient cohort.

Main Results:

• Sensorised insoles effectively measure foot pressure distribution.
• Profiling pressure changes provides insights into biomechanical foot dysfunction.
• Significant differences in sensor-agnostic metrics were observed between affected and unaffected feet 8 weeks post-Achilles tendon rupture.

Conclusions:

• Sensorised insoles offer a viable method for objective gait and mobility assessment.
• Proposed sensor-agnostic metrics can quantify foot mobility and inform treatment strategies.
• This technology shows promise for evaluating recovery and guiding rehabilitation after lower limb injuries.