Ultra-Thin Sensor Insole Monitors Stance

By HospiMedica International staff writers
Posted on 10 Oct 2013
A fully integrated and wireless sensor insole can be used in any shoe to measure the distribution and motion parameters for both patients and athletes.

The OpenGo insole includes 13 capacitive pressure sensors, a three dimensional (3D) acceleration sensor, and a temperature sensor. An integrated storage unit records the measured data, which can be transmitted directly via ANT+, a wireless technology that allows health and fitness monitoring devices to talk to each other and other pieces of hardware. Since it is completely wireless, it can be used with other devices to create new capabilities, such as getting instant audio feedback in a Bluetooth headset.

Image: The OpenGo wireless sensor insole (Photo courtesy of Moticon).

The OpenGo insole can be used for everyday patient monitoring, rehabilitation measures, and for training analysis in sports. Foot care and rehabilitation relies on measuring the patient’s applied pressure. Plantar distribution of pressure already is a standard in orthopedic care, as well as in rehabilitation of the musculoskeletal system. Inappropriate biomechanical plantar stress, such as after injuries or surgery, can be recorded with the OpenGo sensor insole in a reliable manner, helping convalescence to be optimized significantly.

The OpenGo sensor insole also serves as a personal trainer in sports where technique and performance are significantly based on proper distribution of pressure and load. As it is easy to use and gives feedback immediately, the system helps athletes to optimize their technique. For example, skiing or the way of swinging when playing golf can be analyzed in real-time, and transmitted to the user as acoustic signals via headphones. The OpenGo sensor insole is a product of Moticon (Munich, Germany), and is available from shoe sizes (EU) 36/37 to 46/47.

Related Links:

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