Shoe-Insole Technology for Injury Prevention in Walking

Abstract

Impaired walking increases injury risk during locomotion, including falls-related acute injuries and overuse damage to lower limb joints. Gait impairments seriously restrict voluntary, habitual engagement in injury prevention activities, such as recreational walking and exercise. There is, therefore, an urgent need for technology-based interventions for gait disorders that are cost effective, willingly taken-up, and provide immediate positive effects on walking. Gait control using shoe-insoles has potential as an effective population-based intervention, and new sensor technologies will enhance the effectiveness of these devices. Shoe-insole modifications include: (i) ankle joint support for falls prevention; (ii) shock absorption by utilising lower-resilience materials at the heel; (iii) improving reaction speed by stimulating cutaneous receptors; and (iv) preserving dynamic balance via foot centre of pressure control. Using sensor technology, such as in-shoe pressure measurement and motion capture systems, gait can be precisely monitored, allowing us to visualise how shoe-insoles change walking patterns. In addition, in-shoe systems, such as pressure monitoring and inertial sensors, can be incorporated into the insole to monitor gait in real-time. Inertial sensors coupled with in-shoe foot pressure sensors and global positioning systems (GPS) could be used to monitor spatiotemporal parameters in real-time. Real-time, online data management will enable ‘big-data’ applications to everyday gait control characteristics.

Laser‐Induced Graphene Piezoresistive Sensors Synthesized Directly on Cork Insoles for Gait Analysis

“…While this technique provides the most detailed data available, point‐of‐care analysis through insoles sensitization has become an alternative. [ 8–13 ] The possibility to continuously monitor feet pressure and other gait parameters, offers valuable data not only in orthopedic rehabilitation [ 1,2,14 ] or the assessment of deformations such as the flat foot [ 15 ] but also to improve athletes’ performance [ 7 ] and to mitigate diabetic neuropathy complications, [ 16,17 ] neurological disorders, [ 6,18–20 ] among others.…”

Ageing Effects on Tripping Risk: The Foot-Ground Clearance of Healthy Community Dwelling Japanese Cohorts Aged 50, 60 and 70 Years

“…Exercise interventions may help in maintaining foot elevation and reducing tripping risk and in addition to maintaining ankle dorsi exion, particular at mid-swing close to MFC [13], exercises for older people should emphasise symmetrical walking. Treadmill-based gait training with realtime biofeedback, for example, can increase MFC height while reducing variability [21] and gait-feedback provided by "smart footwear" systems may also reduce tripping risk by alerting the wearer to asymmetrical gait control [25,26].…”

Review on Wearable Technology Sensors Used in Consumer Sport Applications

“…When an injury occurs, the treatment process can be compiled with medicine, physiotherapy, and adequate rest. This will give an idea of when to undertake gradual training before returning to fitness [90,91].…”

“…If the acute loadings spike abnormally, then they are likely to cause injuries. It is important to gather data of players before they train to know their different states and history of injuries [90].…”