Integrated Fibrous Iontronic Pressure Sensors with High Sensitivity and Reliability for Human Plantar Pressure and Gait Analysis

Abstract

Flexible sensing systems (FSSs) designed to measure plantar pressure can deliver instantaneous feedback on human movement and posture. This feedback is crucial not only for preventing and controlling diseases associated with abnormal plantar pressures but also for optimizing athletes’ postures to minimize injuries. The development of an optimal plantar pressure sensor hinges on key metrics such as a wide sensing range, high sensitivity, and long-term stability. However, the effectiveness of current flexible sensors is impeded by numerous challenges, including limitations in structural deformability, mechanical incompatibility between multifunctional layers, and instability under complex stress conditions. Addressing these limitations, we have engineered an integrated pressure sensing system with high sensitivity and reliability for human plantar pressure and gait analysis. It features a high-modulus, porous laminated ionic fiber structure with robust self-bonded interfaces, utilizing a unified polyimide material system. This system showcases a high sensitivity (156.6 kPa–1), an extensive sensing range (up to 4000 kPa), and augmented interfacial toughness and durability (over 150,000 cycles). Additionally, our FSS is capable of real-time monitoring of plantar pressure distribution across various sports activities. Leveraging deep learning, the flexible sensing system achieves a high-precision, intelligent recognition of different plantar types with a 99.8% accuracy rate. This approach provides a strategic advancement in the field of flexible pressure sensors, ensuring prolonged stability and accuracy even amidst complex pressure dynamics and providing a feasible solution for long-term gait monitoring and analysis.