Sensing Insole for Footstrike Pattern Detection in Runners

A foot-strike detecting insole has been developed and is installed with two force sensors located at the heel and the second metatarsal. The sensors are connected to a mini circuit-board which communicates with a smartphone app. By measuring the triggering time difference between the heel and toe sensors, we can differentiate among runners with heel strike, midfoot strike and forefoot strike.

Heel or forefoot landings carry a higher risk of injury than midfoot landings. With this information, runners can modify their gait mechanics to prevent injury and facilitate rehabilitation.