Home // International Journal On Advances in Life Sciences, volume 15, numbers 1 and 2, 2023 // View article

Step Measurement Using a Household Floor Mat and Shoe Sensors

Authors:
Tomoko Funayama
Yasutaka Uchida
Yoshiaki Kogure

Keywords: Walking Assessment; Floor Sensors; Smart Shoes; Activities of Daily Living; Health Care.

Abstract:
Recently, many healthcare devices have been developed to monitor the health conditions of older people and others with health problems. To detect even the slightest changes in physical condition, it is crucial to carry out assessments during long periods of time while people are engaged in their normal daily activities, which do not change from usual. However, while devices to assess health conditions are beneficial, they also present challenges, such as invasion of privacy by monitoring systems, difficulty in operation, and handling of large amounts of data. Walking is sometimes referred to as the sixth vital sign, and is used to assess various diseases, including central nervous system, orthopedic, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Research on the development of smart insoles that can acquire digital data is increasing. However, smart insoles cannot be used at home in cultures in which shoes are not worn at home. To overcome these challenges, we have developed a gait assessment device that integrates pressure sensors into a floor mat for daily use. The purpose of developing this device is not to analyze gait improvement, but to capture changes in physical condition in daily living activities through changes in walking. The equipment comprises a grid of eight pressure sensors, each perpendicular and parallel to the walking direction. Because this floor mat is intended for use in homes, the measurement distance is shorter compared to conventional gait assessments. Therefore, we study the possibility of floor mats via the timed up and go (TUG) test, a conventional walking assessment method, and shoes fitted with pressure and acceleration sensors. Three subjects performed free walking, walking with an older people experience set, and walking with ankle and knee joints restricted by supporters. In addition to simulated motions and visual limitations, comfort walking and fast walking were also performed and examined. The obtained results indicate a high correlation between insoles with pressure sensors and floor mats relative to step time, thereby suggesting the usefulness of floor mats.

Pages: 33 to 43

Copyright: Copyright (c) to authors, 2023. Used with permission.

Publication date: June 30, 2023

Published in: journal

ISSN: 1942-2660