A Low-Cost Approach of Plantar Pressure Measurement for Mobility Assistance in Paraplegia

Abstract

This paper is aimed to develop a low-cost foot plantar pressure measurement system for mobility assistance in paraplegic patients. Force sensing foot is used to measure plantar pressure, which gives the interaction of human foot and ground of the waver while sit to stand, stand to sit, and analyze. For the purpose of determining the location of the most intense pressure points on the sole of the foot, research was undertaken on healthy individuals of varying weights. The proposed method is compared to an existing process that uses force-sensitive resistors (FSRs) placed below the foot for detecting the user intent of the motion. Because of the recent rise in the usage of lower-limb exoskeletons, plantar pressure has emerged as a viable parameter for gait rehabilitation. Foot sensors developed in the study for the control of exoskeleton are inserted into the shoe. The design of a low-cost plantar pressure measurement system to support the paraplegic patients is presented.