Postural control is a complex skill based on the interaction of dynamic sensorimotor processes, and can be challenging for people with deficits in sensory functions. The foot plantar center of pressure (COP) has often been used for quantitative assessment of postural control. Previously, the foot plantar COP was mainly measured by force plates or complicated and expensive insole-based measureme...

BACKGROUND Over the past two decades finite element (FE) analysis has become a popular tool for researchers seeking to simulate the biomechanics of the healthy and diabetic foot. The primary aims of these simulations have been to improve our understanding of the foot's complicated mechanical loading in health and disease and to inform interventions designed to prevent plantar ulceration, a majo...

introduction: functional ankle instability has described as a “feeling of giving way”. balance control deficit is one of the sensorimotor impairments observed in people with functional ankle instability that has been described to damage to the afferent receptors within the ligaments and joint capsule that affected during sprain. foot orthosis can improve balance control via enhanced sensory aff...

BACKGROUND Over 1 in 3 older people with diabetes sustain a fall each year. Postural instability has been identified as independent risk factor for falls within people with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN). People with DPN, at increased risk of falls, are routinely required to wear offloading insoles, yet the impact of these insoles on postural stability and postural control is unknown. The...

Various foot complications can be easily avoided by continuously monitoring plantar (foot sole) pressure and temperature at home. Systems which simultaneously measure in real time are still scarce. In this work, the design, characterization, implementation of a Fiber Bragg Gratings (FBG) based smart insole capable measuring has been reported. The instrumented was tested verified during static g...

We present a proprioceptive feedback system for lower-limb amputees based on vibratory stimulation applied on the thigh. The system should be integrated in the prosthesis for overcoming the missing proprioceptive information from the amputated foot sole. It acquires data from one pressure-sensitive insole, inserted in the shoe of the amputated foot, and elaborates the acquired information for t...

The large majority of prosthetic feet are aimed at low-heeled shoes, with a few models allowing a heel height of up to 5 cm. However, a survey by the American Podiatric Medical Association indicates that most women wear heels over 5 cm; thus, current prosthetic feet limit most female prosthesis users in their choice. Some prosthetic foot components are heel-height adjustable; however, their pla...

Biomechanical energy harvesting is a feasible solution for powering wearable sensors by directly driving electronics or acting as wearable self-powered sensors. A wearable insole that not only can harvest energy from foot pressure during walking but also can serve as a self-powered human motion recognition sensor is reported. The insole is designed as a sandwich structure consisting of two wavy...