Design of smart footwear Information system for measuring gait parameters

Abstract

In this study we design an information system of smart footwear intended to measure gait parameters such as distance, walking speed, walking phase in the gait cycle, and walking symmetry. The footwear includes pressure sensors attached under the five landmarks of each foot sole namely big toe, 1st, 3rd, and 5th metatarsals, and calcaneus. The acquired electrical signals then transmitted to a computer or smartphone for signal processing, data analysis, and information display. The information system is designed according to the design guidelines, such as sufficient contrast and easy to read. The information display consists of user information, step mileages, and walking pressure and symmetry. In a further study for segregation and parsing of the acquired walking data, the involvement of healthcare professionals is necessary so that we would be able to categorize the numerical data to the associated health condition.