IIT Delhi's new wearable pressure sensor to help correct posture

“The integration of sensors and Machine Learning leads to the invention of intelligent sensors for cutting-edge technologies in fields like healthcare, sports science, defence etc,” said Dr Dhiman Mallick, lead researcher and Assistant Professor at Electrical Engineering Department, IIT Delhi, in a statement.

“During the number of tests that we conducted in our laboratory, we found that the proposed sensor can potentially help detect foot problems in adults and children by analysing the pressure variation on the back end of the foot and converting it into electrical output. Since abnormal hind foot pressure distribution can lead to problems in knee joints, hips, and even spine-related injuries, understanding and correcting it is an important application,” Mallick added.

The sensor generated output is analysed by conventional Machine Learning models and linked to a person's walking behaviour. By comparing the pressure patterns to those of predefined patterns of a normal person, clinical specialists can conclude the type of deformity present.

“The resulting pressure patterns can aid doctors and specialists in designing custom insoles that balance out the foot deformity by supporting regions of the foot showing abnormal pressure distribution. In effect, the proposed sensor can potentially provide an easy, low-cost alternative to expensive footwear modifications, surgeries, and posture correction accessories”, Mallick further said.

In addition, the sensor can help in understanding different human activities, like walking or running by feeling the pressure changes in the user’s hind foot.

This can have tremendous application in smart healthcare systems wherein the activity pattern, exercise intensity, number of steps, etc., form important parameters for critical health analysis in people with diabetes, obesity, etc.

The sensor can also be helpful for elderly fall detection, especially in patients with Parkinson's disorder or who are disabled and aid in injury rehabilitation.