FootStriker

Abstract

In running, knee-related injuries are very common. The main cause are high impact forces when striking the ground with the heel first. Mid- or forefoot running is generally known to reduce impact loads and to be a more efficient running style. In this paper, we introduce a wearable running assistant, consisting of an electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) device and an insole with force sensing resistors. It detects heel striking and actuates the calf muscles during the flight phase to control the foot angle before landing. We conducted a user study, in which we compared the classical coaching approach using slow motion video analysis as a terminal feedback to our proposed real-time EMS feedback. The results show that EMS actuation significantly outperforms traditional coaching, i.e., a decreased average heel striking rate, when using the system. As an implication, EMS feedback can generally be beneficial for the motor learning of complex, repetitive movements.

Feedback Method of Force Controlled by Electrical Muscle Stimulation Based on Infrared Optical Sensing

“…Applying low-intensity EMS was helpful for increasing the muscle strength and cardiorespiratory fitness (Miyamoto et al, 2016). In addition, EMS actuates the calf muscles of the swing foot during running to control the foot angle for coaching a better way of striking the ground (Hassan et al, 2017). However, since the actual physical movement is not detected by the EMS system, it is difficult to confirm automatically whether the muscle movement is what the instructor intends.…”

Subtletee: Augmenting Posture Awareness for Beginner Golfers

“…Nylander et al [59] chose to use both auditory and visual feedback to raise the runners' movement awareness, while PaceGuard [25] successfully employed only audio to help maintain running cadence. Finally, Hassan et al [31] chose to provide no feedback but to electrically stimulate the users' muscles to achieve improved running posture. While there is no consensus on feedback modalities in work on running, in the case of swimming, where sensory deprivation is a key design constraint, visual feedback was strongly preferred [44].…”

ElectroCutscenes: Realistic Haptic Feedback in Cutscenes of Virtual Reality Games Using Electric Muscle Stimulation

“…For example, Hassib et al exploited EMS to remotely communicate emotional responses to other parties by actuating different parts of the body (e.g., extending arms in case of happiness) [23]. Hassan et al implemented FootStriker [22], which leveraged EMS in footwear to protect from knee-related injuries by adjusting the foot's pose while running. Pfeiffer et al proposed cruise control for pedestrians to steer users via EMS as they walk [45].…”