Smart insole could help improve gait problems
A new high tech insole has been developed at the University of Utah that could help correct walking problems for people with artificial legs, hip replacements and broken legs.
The Rapid Rehab system uses a custom gel insole with force sensors, accelerometers and gyroscopes to detect a person's gait, or walking pattern.
A smartphone application wirelessly tracks data from the insole and provides a variety of instantaneous feedback. Users or physical therapists can choose from visual, audio or sensory feedback.
The current prototype has two force sensitive resistors for tracking pressure when the foot is on the ground. It also has an inertial measurement unit, which includes an accelerometer and gyroscope, for measuring foot position and angle.
The immediate use for the technology, according to inventor Professor Stacy Bamberg, from the university's Department of Mechanical Engineering, is for amputees who want to reduce how much they limp when using prosthetic legs.
The team is then hoping to expand the system to help people who have received a hip replacement or suffered a bone fracture and need to correct their gait as they heal.
"Rapid Rehab has several benefits over competing technologies," claimed Prof Bamberg. "Unlike a gait-analysis laboratory, it is inexpensive and can be used in any real world setting. It is much more accurate than subjective observations by a physical therapist. It also gives users more feedback and control, which can result in quicker results."
Bamberg hopes to sell the Rapid Rehab system to physical therapists and their patients for around $500 (approx. £314) in the next few years.
"We are on the verge of having a major impact on the lives of amputees and others who struggle with gait abnormalities," she added. "We will be working rapidly toward commercial production. All the essential pieces are already in place. We want our system to be used by every physical therapist in the country and across the world."
