Smart insoles enhance sports and health monitoring technology

Scientists at the University of Portsmouth have created new smart insoles that can do more than cushion your feet. These insoles can track movements and help prevent injuries in athletes, as well as assist doctors in monitoring patient recovery. The researchers worked with technology company TG0 to design a system that accurately measures how the body interacts with the ground. This technology could change sports science and health care by providing key data on ground reaction forces (GRFs). Until now, capturing this data outside of a lab setting was extremely difficult and required expensive and bulky machines. The new TG0 Smart Insole uses pressure sensors and an inertial measurement unit (IMU) to track foot pressure and movement. This system is highly accurate, with a low error rate of just 4.16%. Previous methods were less reliable, with error rates between 8% and 20%. The smart insoles can work for about eight hours on a single charge and send data to a computer via Bluetooth. The data is stored for further analysis, potentially helping athletes optimize performance and reduce injury risks, while also serving healthcare professionals monitoring recovery and mobility. Dr. Dinghuang Zhang from the University of Portsmouth said the goal was to create an affordable and portable tool to replace costly lab equipment. The smart insoles could be beneficial for athletes, doctors, and anyone interested in tracking their health movements. The project was a collaborative effort involving efforts from the University's School of Computing and School of Psychology, Sport, and Health Sciences. Dr. Tim Exell emphasized the importance of measuring forces in human movement, noting that this new technology could potentially improve both sports performance and recovery after injuries. TG0 developed these smart insoles in response to needs in diabetic foot care. Diabetic patients often experience reduced sensation in their feet, leading to a higher risk of foot ulcers. The insoles contain technology to detect high-pressure areas, helping prevent complications. Dr. Liucheng Guo, co-founder of TG0, expressed that their aim is to make technology accessible and smart. They believe their work represents a significant step forward in both sports and healthcare technology. The full study has been published in the journal Intelligent Sports and Health, with data made available for future research on wearable technology.