Simple Gait Segmentation Method Using a Novel Plantar Pressure Measurement System with Custom-Made Capacitive Sensors: Preliminary Results

The human gait uses both legs to propel the body to displace it to another place. This action has a huge repercussion in daily activities. That is the main reason why the study of human gait has an important relevance in order to maintain a healthy gait. This paper shows a simple method of gait subphases segmentation using a smart insole with custom-made capacitive sensors, plantar pressure measurement and center of pressure (COP) calculation. Pilot tests were performed in 6 healthy volunteers. The results show that using the information of plantar pressure in heel, hallux, 1st and 5th metatarsal is possible to recognize the stance and swing phase of the gait and calculate COP. Analyzing the position and trajectory of COP the system is capable to segment the stance phase of gait in 4 subphases, according to the different support zones and its correlation with COP trajectory