Proceedings of 2025 ASEE-NE Section Conference

SensoStep: Wearable Solution for Real-Time Foot Pressure and Gait Analysis
Bala Maheswaran, Angela Gross, Victoria Christianson, Sally Dorer, Emaan Jivani, Mohak Kothari, Meghna Sridhar
Abstract

Foot anatomy, such as arch size, along with improper gait patterns, can lead to various health issues, including joint problems, muscle imbalances, and injuries such as shin splints. Most current methods for assessing these issues involve professional medical devices, making them costly and inaccessible to many people who could benefit from them. To address these challenges, we developed SensoStep, a wearable, affordable device designed to provide real-time data on foot pressure distribution and gait patterns, accessible to anyone. SensoStep uses force-sensing resistors embedded in a 3D-printed shoe insole to measure pressure at various points on the foot. This insole insert can be placed in any shoe. The data collected by the sensors is transmitted to a mobile application through a Bluetooth-enabled Arduino Nano 33 BLE board. The app displays the results in real-time via graphs and notifications, enhancing the user experience by providing feedback on pressure imbalances in the user’s foot. This data is valuable for individuals with flat feet, high arches, or those recovering from lower limb injuries, as it helps them understand their foot mechanics and make adjustments to their activity, gait, and footwear. During testing, SensoStep was able to distinguish between users with flat feet, normal arches, and high arches based on their unique pressure distributions. The system’s ability to accurately identify these differences highlights its potential as a reliable tool. While it can be used as a medical tool, our goal for SensoStep is to make it easily accessible and usable by all. Unlike other devices with similar technology, SensoStep is marketed to athletes aiming to reduce their risk of overuse injuries by monitoring their gait and identifying harmful pressure patterns. By combining affordability, portability, and accessibility, SensoStep bridges the gap between professional tools and everyday users. This project takes a step toward making foot health technology more accessible, ensuring it is available to a broader audience.


Last modified: 2025-03-18
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