Design and Product Development

Fiber Optic-embedded Gait-Tracking Insole for Detection of Toe-Walking in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

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Abstract

Toe-walking is defined as a bilateral toe-to-toe walking pattern without heel strike at the initiation of a stance, often related to developmental or neurological disorders such as autism spectrum disorder. It can make heel cords tight, limit ankle dorsiflexion, cause pain around the foot and ankle, and lead to compensatory abnormal gaits. This study aims to develop a user-friendly insole as wearable gait-monitoring system to track toe-walking patterns by using stretchable optical fibers, which are lightweight, chemically stable, and flexible. Four optical fibers were placed between the layers of the insole, so that when the foot presses down the intensity of the light propagating inside of the fiber optic decreases. The result from the fiber optic insole was compared with a commercially available plantar pressure sensor as a ground truth and showed good agreement with high correlation between the two sensors.

Keywords: fiber optic, gait, insole, toe walking

How to Cite:

Jo, J. & Park, H., (2022) “Fiber Optic-embedded Gait-Tracking Insole for Detection of Toe-Walking in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 78(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.13811