Computational techniques for using insole pressure sensors to analyse three-dimensional joint kinetics

Abstract

This study evaluated the feasibility of using insole pressure sensors together with whole body dynamics to analyse joint kinetics while running. Local affine transformations of shoe kinematics were first used to track the position of insole sensors during locomotion. Centre of pressure estimates derived from the insoles were within 10 mm of forceplate measures through much of stance, while vertical force estimates were within 15% of peak forceplate recordings. Insole data were then coupled with a least squares whole body dynamic model to obtain shear force estimates that were comparable to forceplate records during running. We demonstrated that these techniques provide a viable approach for analysing joint kinetics when running on uninstrumented surfaces.

Keywords:

• pressure-sensitive insoles
• motion capture
• foot–floor contact
• least squares dynamics

Acknowledgements

We acknowledge support from the Aircast Foundation, NIH Grants AR056201, and a NSF Graduate Fellowship, American Society of Biomechanics Grant-in-aid, and Sigma-Delta-Epsilon Ruth Dickie Scholarship to E. Chumanov.

Notes

^1. [email protected]

^2. [email protected]

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Elizabeth S. Chumanov

1 1. [email protected]

C. David Remy

2 2. [email protected]