Graphene-Based Smart Insole Sensor for Pedobarometry and Gait Analysis

Abstract

Pedobarography and gait analysis are crucial components of healthcare, given their close association with chronic illnesses. Wearable electronics, such as smart insole systems, have emerged as a promising technology for remote and long-term gait monitoring, providing more accurate data in real time. To meet the demands of wearable electronics, components with both flexibility and sensitivity are crucial. This study employed low-cost and rapid prototyping techniques to develop a flexible piezoresistive pressure sensor with a graphene nanoplatelet/ polycaprolactone composite spray-deposited on a fiber-based commercial insole. The sensor demonstrated a pressure range of up to 400 kPa and high linear sensitivity (∼ 0.376 kPa-1), making it suitable for pedobarography. Additionally, to test its practical application, the sensor was linked to a low-power programmable data logging and transmitting device for data acquisition over custom designed android application. The sensor can differentiate various motion states, such as walking, jumping, and running, while also demonstrating potential for long-term stability.