Gait Cycle Ground Reaction Force Measurement Using Piezoelectric Sensor Attached to Shoe-Insole System

Abstract

This study presents a wearable system that mainly consisted of piezoelectric sensors, filter circuit and data logger in order to measure the vertical ground reaction force (VGRF) and study its profile. The proposed system establishes base information to improve the portable gait analysis systems and make them easier in use also to be able to get more outdoor data. The experiments were done by a young healthy person without physical disabilities or nervous disorders and the experimental protocol was explained to the participant before the performing. The experiment involved the walking with self-selected speed along 15 meter track of paved ground. The system was set on (200 Hertz) sampling rate in order to achieve the required data resolution. The produced information was about the events of the gait cycle (Heel-Strike, Stance, Heel-Off and Swing) and their durations also for the VGRF profile of each step and stride which compared with the VGRF profile of force plate. The results of VGRF of sensorinsole system clarified a high similarity with the VGRF produced by force plate system. Despite the system having many features, there are some limitations which can be avoided after improving the system.