Smart Device Development for Gait Monitoring: Multimodal Feedback in an Interactive Foot Orthosis, Walking Aid, and Mobile Application
Stefan Resch, André Kousha, Anna Carroll, Noah Severinghaus, Felix Rehberg, Marco Zatschker, Yunus Söyleyici, Daniel Sanchez-Morillo
公開日: 2025/9/11
Abstract
Smart assistive technologies such as sensor-based footwear and walking aids offer promising opportunities to support rehabilitation through real-time feedback and patient-centered monitoring. However, most orthotic devices remain passive and lack integrated sensing or feedback functionalities, while existing research often focuses on isolated prototypes rather than cohesive, interactive systems. In this work, we present the design and implementation of a novel modular sensor system that combines a smart foot orthosis with an instrumented forearm crutch. The system integrates plantar pressure and motion sensing, vibrotactile feedback, and wireless communication via a smartphone application. We conducted an experimental user study with eight participants to validate the feasibility of the smart foot orthosis for mobile gait detection, explore the potential of haptic feedback for user interaction, and assess the usability of the accompanying mobile health application. Our work contributes to the field of smart assistive technology in rehabilitation and prevention by demonstrating a functional and comprehensive system. We further discuss system limitations, outline potential application scenarios, and provide recommendations for future development and clinical integration.