SMART SHOE: PORTABLE GAIT MONITORING SYSTEM UTILIZING INERTIAL MEASUREMENT UNIT (IMU)

Gait analysis is a principal element to the field of biomechanics, with its application in sport, rehabilitation and correction of biomechanical dysfunctions to upgrade the quality of life. Complex gait analysis system, while important for human rehabilitation, often relies on expensive and high technology equipment like 3D optical monitoring device and force plate. This study presents the development of a portable, affordable gait monitoring system using MPU6050 Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) and ESP32 microcontroller. The system is integrated into a Smart Shoe, utilising a gyroscope within the MPU6050 sensor to capture ankle angle data. Healthy participants were selected and ankle angle data were recorded in real-time during walking trials. The ankle angle data were wirelessly transmitted to a smartphone through Blynk application. Results demonstrate that the Smart Shoe system is capable of detecting gait phases based on the collected ankle angle data which produce consistent gait pattern during normal walking condition. Despite its affordable price, it can produce result that is comparable with other wearable sensor device, offering a solution for broader application in rehabilitation and disease detection.