A Vibrotactile Feedback Device for Delivering Multi-Mode Directional Cues in Gait Training

Biofeedback-based gait training technology has become an attractive approach for rectifying one's gait and posture abnormalities. Recent studies have demonstrated the potential of enhancing gait training outcomes by using the directional vibrotactile feedback. Unfortunately., existing feedback systems face significant technical challenges., such as limited feedback modes and low levels of customization capabilities. This paper proposes a novel multi-mode vibrotactile feedback system that consists of 17 vibration motors., with customizable motor configurations., capable of providing directional cues to the users through a programmable coding scheme. To demonstrate the potential application of directional cues in guiding the patients to correct abnormal gait patterns., we conducted experiments to evaluate the discrimination accuracy and intuitive effectiveness of the delivered directional cues by using the developed vibrotactile feedback device. The experimental results showed that subjects were able to accurately discriminate tactile directions with a low cognitive load. The device offers a new solution to guide the patients to correct abnormal gait patterns for the prevention of lower-extremity diseases., such as diabetic foot ulcerations.