Gait Segmentation Method Using a Plantar Pressure Measurement System with Custom-Made Capacitive Sensors

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Medical Engineering
• Clinical Diagnostics

Background:

• Gait analysis is crucial for assessing patient pathologies and has seen development in measurement methods.
• Current gait analysis often relies on multiple complex sensing devices like cameras and inertial measurement units (IMUs).
• Accurate gait phase segmentation aids in easier and more precise clinical studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a simplified gait segmentation method utilizing plantar pressure measurements.
• To develop and validate a system using sensorized insoles for gait analysis.
• To assess the system's ability to segment gait phases and report key gait parameters.

Main Methods:

• Developed custom sensorized insoles with eight flexible capacitive sensors.
• Implemented an algorithm to calculate gait parameters and segment gait cycle phases.
• Conducted functional tests with six healthy volunteers using a 10m walking test.

Main Results:

• The system successfully segmented gait phases and sub-phases in all subjects.
• Key parameters like COP velocity, double support time, and cadence were reported.
• Stance and swing phase time distribution was approximately 60%/40%, aligning with literature.

Conclusions:

• The proposed plantar pressure-based system offers a simplified approach to gait analysis.
• It effectively segments gait cycles and provides clinically relevant parameters.
• This method can aid clinicians and patients in the recovery process.