A Novel Smart Insole for Gait Assessment and Rehabilitation

Wearable technologies significantly contributed to healthcare by enabling the continuous monitoring of biomechanical information and allowing for real-time assessment of lower limb clinical conditions, including posture and gait. This technology represents a relevant low-cost solution in motor rehabilitation, where personalized treatment plans and optimized training programs can make a difference in the effectiveness of pathology treatment. Furthermore, real-time monitoring of plantar pressure distribution can enhance athlete performances, even during early training stages. However, large scale application of such technologies is often limited by costly and bulky equipment, thus restricting their availability beyond specialized clinical environments. The proposed solution aims to design a low-cost, non-invasive wearable device, which comprises custom-made insoles able to measure weight distribution across the foot plantar surface. The primary motivation for this research stems from a specific demand for a novel monitoring system expressed by the Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine Unit of the Mater Domini University Hospital in Catanzaro, highlighting a significant gap in available commercial technologies. Such an innovative device could improve training efficiency and reduce the risk of injuries in patients during rehabilitation plans, as well as optimize athletic performance.