Variable output foot sensors to provide pressure distribution on the foot during gait

Abstract EN

A new type of foot sensor was developed to analyze pressure on the foot during gait.

The sensor consists of a layer of pressure sensors constructed from conductive rubber sandwiched between two layers of thin brass.

Each cell, when compressed, changes its electrical resistance with pressure.

These cells were placed in key positions on the bottom of the foot and used to analyze pressure distribution during the gait cycle.

The hysteresis and load-resistance characteristics of the sensors were measured and were acceptable for this application.

Creep was not seen as a major problem when tested over a three week period.

By building shoe inserts for four different sizes for adult men, four sizes for adult women and two sizes for male and female children, a wide variety of subjects can be analyzed for pressure distribution during gait in normals and people with neurological pathologies.