Smart Insoles: Revolutionizing Sports Performance and Health Monitoring with AI-Powered Wearable Technology

Smart insoles that could change the game for sports and health

What if your insoles could do more than just cushion your feet? Imagine a pair that could track your movements, help athletes avoid injuries, or even assist doctors in monitoring recovery. A new study by scientists at the University of Portsmouth and technology company TG0, funded by Innovate UK via a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), has brought us closer to making this idea a reality. A team of researchers have successfully designed a new smart insole system that can accurately measure the body's interaction with the ground, opening new possibilities in sports science and healthcare by estimating ground reaction forces (GRFs). This data is crucial in sports science, rehabilitation, and even injury prevention, but until now, capturing it outside of a lab was nearly impossible. Currently, researchers and medical professionals use force plates to measure GRFS, which are large, expensive machines. But these systems are bulky, costly, and can't track movement in everyday environments. The TG0 Smart Insole uses built-in pressure sensors and an inertial measurement unit (IMU) to track foot pressure and movement with impressive accuracy. Combined with artificial intelligence (AI), they can predict ground reaction forces with just a 4.16 per cent error rate, making them one of the most precise wearable movement trackers available. Earlier methods, such as motion sensors or pressure insoles, typically had error rates ranging from 8 per cent to 20 per cent. The smart insoles are equipped with an integrated battery that supports approximately eight hours of continuous data collection. The insoles communicate with a PC-based receiver (USB dongle) via Bluetooth low energy (BLE). During operation, all collected data are stored in CSV file format with timestamps on the user's PC through the user interface, as shown below. Smart insole applications: Co-author, Dr Dinghuang Zhang, from the University of Portsmouth's School of Computing and a research associate at TG0, explained: "We wanted to create an affordable and portable alternative to expensive lab equipment. These insoles could help athletes improve performance, assist doctors in rehabilitation, and even help people track their movement for general health." The research involved both the University's School of Computing and School of Psychology, Sport, and Health Sciences. Dr Tim Exell, Senior Lecturer in Biomechanics and Rehabilitation Science at the University of Portsmouth, said: "This partnership has really highlighted the benefit of collaboration to bring together different skill sets. All human movement, whether in elite sports, recreational activities or rehabilitation, is caused by forces and being able to accurately measure those forces outside a lab environment is a game-changer to improve sporting performance, identify injury risks and improve recovery after injury or other conditions." TG0's development of smart insoles was inspired by the pressing need to enhance diabetic foot care. Diabetic patients often suffer from peripheral neuropathy, leading to reduced sensation in their feet and an increased risk of foot ulcers. If untreated, these ulcers can result in severe infections and, in some cases, amputations. By integrating pressure mapping technology into insoles, TG0 aims to provide early detection of high-pressure areas, allowing patients and healthcare providers to take preventive measures. Dr Liucheng Guo, Co-founder and CTO at TG0, said: "TG0's mission is to use embedded AI and low-cost material to revolutionise the human machine interfaces, make them accessible, sustainable and smart. By combining academic research with industry expertise, we've improved our low-cost smart sensing technology that could change the way we interact with the world -- both in sports and healthcare. The study not only showcases our commitment to innovation but also paves the way for next-generation smart sensing solutions that extend beyond sports into broader health applications." The full study has been published in Intelligent Sports and Health, and a public dataset has been made available to help researchers develop even better wearable technology. It was made possible through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) between the University of Portsmouth and TG0, and funded by Innovate UK. KTPs are programs that connect universities with businesses to develop real-world solutions using academic expertise.

Shoes that can warn you of injuries? How wearable technology is transforming foot care

Your feet work hard every day supporting your body, absorbing impact and adapting to different surfaces. But they often get ignored until something goes wrong. Imagine your shoes alerting you to foot injuries before you feel any pain, or your socks warning you about the risk of an ulcer before symptoms even appear. This is the promise of new wearable foot technology. About one in five adults in middle and old age experiences foot pain, ranging from minor aches to problems that limit daily activities. Some foot conditions, particularly linked to diabetes, can be life-threatening. Diabetic foot ulcers have a five-year death rate of around 40%. This means that patients with foot ulcers caused by diabetes have a 40% chance of dying within five years of symptoms appearing, which is higher than many cancers. If untreated, ulcers can lead to severe infections and even necessitate amputation. New wearable devices, such as smart insoles and socks, can prevent these serious complications through early detection. They work by constantly tracking your foot pressure, walking patterns and even skin temperature. The collected information is analysed using advanced algorithms and artificial intelligence, providing timely warnings about potential foot problems. Machine learning, for instance, has successfully predicted diabetic foot ulcers from this wearable data, helping healthcare providers intervene before complications occur. Smart insoles contain tiny sensors that measure how pressure spreads across your feet when you walk or run. They can detect abnormal walking patterns with over 90% precision, spotting issues before they cause pain or injury. These devices have proven especially useful for older adults and people with neurological conditions like stroke, multiple sclerosis, or movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease. Smart socks use sensors to constantly measure foot temperature and pressure, detecting early signs of inflammation. They're particularly beneficial for people with diabetes, as research shows these socks can predict and help prevent foot ulcers. Smart compression socks, which also monitor blood oxygen levels, can identify important changes during daily activities. This further reduces the risk of severe complications such as poor circulation, tissue damage and infection. Read more: Fighting fungal nail infections: simple steps for healthier toenails Continuously tracking a person's foot health in these ways allows potential issues to be identified before they escalate, shifting foot care from reactive treatment to proactive management. So, wearable foot technology offers advantages for groups like athletes and people with chronic conditions. Athletes, especially those involved in high-impact sports like running, often put immense stress on their feet, increasing injury risk. Smart insoles provide immediate feedback, allowing athletes to adjust their running technique. Studies have shown that athletes using these insoles improved their running form and experienced fewer injuries. People with chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, also stand to benefit greatly from wearable technologies. Continuous monitoring with smart devices significantly lowers the risk of severe complications. For example, one study found that high-risk patients with diabetes who used smart socks with continuous temperature monitoring had much better outcomes. They experienced a 71% lower rate of foot ulcers and a 52% lower rate of amputations. This improvement was linked to earlier detection and intervention. Potential challenges Privacy remains a significant issue with these devices, as they constantly collect sensitive health data. Ensuring data is secure is therefore crucial. Accuracy is also important, as devices must reliably avoid false alarms or missed warnings. And although prices have decreased, wearable technology may still be expensive for many people, limiting its widespread use. The future of wearable foot technology is promising, however. Devices are becoming smaller, more affordable and easier to use. Innovations like 3D printing now enable customised smart insoles that perfectly match a person's foot shape, boosting comfort and accuracy. Upcoming developments also include flexible sensors that can connect to smartphones and healthcare systems. These allow for remote monitoring and personalised care. For example, researchers have recently developed smart pyjamas with built-in fabric sensors. These sensors track breathing patterns and detect sleep disorders. The data is then sent directly to a phone app for analysis. Read more: High heels, flat arches, clubfoot and corns - our feet are amazing but they can be treated terribly Like these innovations, smart insoles and socks are moving toward more flexible, user-friendly designs that can integrate into everyday life. The goal across all this different technology is the same - to make health monitoring more accessible, comfortable and proactive without the need for bulky equipment or clinic visits. Wearable tech is a significant step forward for foot health. It offers early warnings and personalised insights beyond traditional methods. From preventing severe complications like diabetic ulcers to enhancing athletic performance, these devices could soon become standard parts of everyday healthcare.

Smart insoles that could change the game for sports and health

What if your insoles could do more than just cushion your feet? Imagine a pair that could track your movements, help athletes avoid injuries, or even assist doctors in monitoring recovery. A new study by scientists at the University of Portsmouth and technology company TG0 has brought us closer to making this idea a reality. A team of researchers have successfully designed a new smart insole system that can accurately measure the body's interaction with the ground, opening new possibilities in sports science and health care by estimating ground reaction forces (GRFs). This data is crucial in sports science, rehabilitation, and even injury prevention, but until now, capturing it outside of a lab was nearly impossible. Currently, researchers and medical professionals use force plates to measure GRFS, which are large, expensive machines. But these systems are bulky, costly, and can't track movement in everyday environments. The TG0 Smart Insole uses built-in pressure sensors and an inertial measurement unit (IMU) to track foot pressure and movement with impressive accuracy. Combined with artificial intelligence (AI), they can predict ground reaction forces with just a 4.16% error rate, making them one of the most precise wearable movement trackers available. Earlier methods, such as motion sensors or pressure insoles, typically had error rates ranging from 8% to 20%. The smart insoles are equipped with an integrated battery that supports approximately eight hours of continuous data collection. The insoles communicate with a PC-based receiver (USB dongle) via Bluetooth low energy (BLE). During operation, all collected data are stored in CSV file format with timestamps on the user's PC through the user interface. Smart insole applications: Co-author, Dr. Dinghuang Zhang, from the University of Portsmouth's School of Computing and a research associate at TG0, explained, "We wanted to create an affordable and portable alternative to expensive lab equipment. These insoles could help athletes improve performance, assist doctors in rehabilitation, and even help people track their movement for general health." The research involved both the University's School of Computing and School of Psychology, Sport, and Health Sciences. Dr. Tim Exell, Senior Lecturer in Biomechanics and Rehabilitation Science at the University of Portsmouth, said, "This partnership has really highlighted the benefit of collaboration to bring together different skill sets. All human movement, whether in elite sports, recreational activities or rehabilitation, is caused by forces and being able to accurately measure those forces outside a lab environment is a game-changer to improve sporting performance, identify injury risks and improve recovery after injury or other conditions." TG0's development of smart insoles was inspired by the pressing need to enhance diabetic foot care. Diabetic patients often suffer from peripheral neuropathy, leading to reduced sensation in their feet and an increased risk of foot ulcers. If untreated, these ulcers can result in severe infections and, in some cases, amputations. By integrating pressure mapping technology into insoles, TG0 aims to provide early detection of high-pressure areas, allowing patients and health care providers to take preventive measures. Dr. Liucheng Guo, Co-founder and CTO at TG0, said, "TG0's mission is to use embedded AI and low-cost material to revolutionize the human machine interfaces, make them accessible, sustainable and smart. By combining academic research with industry expertise, we've improved our low-cost smart sensing technology that could change the way we interact with the world -- both in sports and health care. The study not only showcases our commitment to innovation but also paves the way for next-generation smart sensing solutions that extend beyond sports into broader health applications." The full study has been published in Intelligent Sports and Health, and a public dataset has been made available to help researchers develop even better wearable technology.

Shoes that can warn you of injuries? How wearable technology is transforming foot care

Your feet work hard every day supporting your body, absorbing impact and adapting to different surfaces. But they often get ignored until something goes wrong. Imagine your shoes alerting you to foot injuries before you feel any pain, or your socks warning you about the risk of an ulcer before symptoms even appear. This is the promise of new wearable foot technology. About 1 in 5 adults in middle and old age experiences foot pain, ranging from minor aches to problems that limit daily activities. Some foot conditions, particularly linked to diabetes, can be life-threatening. Diabetic foot ulcers have a five-year death rate of around 40%. This means that patients with foot ulcers caused by diabetes have a 40% chance of dying within five years of symptoms appearing, which is higher than many cancers. If untreated, ulcers can lead to severe infections and even necessitate amputation. New wearable devices, such as smart insoles and socks, can prevent these serious complications through early detection. They work by constantly tracking your foot pressure, walking patterns and even skin temperature. The collected information is analyzed using advanced algorithms and artificial intelligence, providing timely warnings about potential foot problems. Machine learning, for instance, has successfully predicted diabetic foot ulcers from this wearable data, helping health care providers intervene before complications occur. Smart insoles contain tiny sensors that measure how pressure spreads across your feet when you walk or run. They can detect abnormal walking patterns with over 90% precision, spotting issues before they cause pain or injury. These devices have proven especially useful for older adults and people with neurological conditions like stroke, multiple sclerosis, or movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease. Smart socks use sensors to constantly measure foot temperature and pressure, detecting early signs of inflammation. They're particularly beneficial for people with diabetes, as research shows these socks can predict and help prevent foot ulcers. Smart compression socks, which also monitor blood oxygen levels, can identify important changes during daily activities. This further reduces the risk of severe complications such as poor circulation, tissue damage and infection. Continuously tracking a person's foot health in these ways allows potential issues to be identified before they escalate, shifting foot care from reactive treatment to proactive management. So, wearable foot technology offers advantages for groups like athletes and people with chronic conditions. Athletes, especially those involved in high-impact sports like running, often put immense stress on their feet, increasing injury risk. Smart insoles provide immediate feedback, allowing athletes to adjust their running technique. Studies have shown that athletes using these insoles improved their running form and experienced fewer injuries. People with chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, also stand to benefit greatly from wearable technologies. Continuous monitoring with smart devices significantly lowers the risk of severe complications. For example, one study found that high-risk patients with diabetes who used smart socks with continuous temperature monitoring had much better outcomes. They experienced a 71% lower rate of foot ulcers and a 52% lower rate of amputations. This improvement was linked to earlier detection and intervention. Potential challenges Privacy remains a significant issue with these devices, as they constantly collect sensitive health data. Ensuring data is secure is therefore crucial. Accuracy is also important, as devices must reliably avoid false alarms or missed warnings. And although prices have decreased, wearable technology may still be expensive for many people, limiting its widespread use. The future of wearable foot technology is promising, however. Devices are becoming smaller, more affordable and easier to use. Innovations like 3D printing now enable customized smart insoles that perfectly match a person's foot shape, boosting comfort and accuracy. Upcoming developments also include flexible sensors that can connect to smartphones and health care systems. These allow for remote monitoring and personalized care. For example, researchers have recently developed smart pajamas with built-in fabric sensors. These sensors track breathing patterns and detect sleep disorders. The data is then sent directly to a phone app for analysis. Like these innovations, smart insoles and socks are moving toward more flexible, user-friendly designs that can integrate into everyday life. The goal across all this different technology is the same -- to make health monitoring more accessible, comfortable and proactive without the need for bulky equipment or clinic visits. Wearable tech is a significant step forward for foot health. It offers early warnings and personalized insights beyond traditional methods. From preventing severe complications like diabetic ulcers to enhancing athletic performance, these devices could soon become standard parts of everyday health care.

Smart insoles: A boon to expert athletes and rehab patients alike

The Smart Insoles could be used by physiotherapists to assist with patient rehabilitation Scientists have developed smart insoles that accurately measure the forces created when a foot hits the ground in the real world. The innovative tech has a range of applications, from assisting in rehabilitating injured patients to helping athletes achieve peak performance and prevent injuries. Although they sound like it, ground reaction forces (GRFs) have nothing to do with the military. When you walk, run, or jump, your foot pushes against the ground, and the ground pushes back with an equal force in the opposite direction. These are GRFs. They're crucial because they influence how our bodies move and react during physical activity. Scientists from the University of Portsmouth in the UK teamed up with tech company TG0 to develop smart insoles that accurately and more naturally measure GRFs in three dimensions. These insoles provide real-world movement analysis that is useful for sports science, rehabilitation, and injury prevention. "We wanted to create an affordable and portable alternative to expensive lab equipment," said the study's lead author, Dinghuang Zhang, PhD, a former postgraduate researcher from the University's School of Computing and current associate in the knowledge transfer program (KTP) at TG0. "These insoles could help athletes improve performance, assist doctors in rehabilitation, and even help people track their movement for general health." The three-dimensionality of the innovative insoles comes from their ability to measure three components of GRF: medial-lateral (Fx), anterior-posterior (Fy), and vertical (Fz). In simple terms, medial-lateral refers to the side-to-side force. It measures the push or pull that occurs when you step to one side or the other, like when you make a quick lateral movement in basketball. Anterior-posterior is the forward-backward force, which measures the acceleration or braking that occurs while running. Vertical force is the up-and-down force felt from the ground pushing against your foot as it lands. It's usually the strongest of the three components and can be thought of as the force that supports your body's weight. All three are essential for understanding healthy gait and how it is affected by injury, muscle fatigue, posture and balance, and the impact of neuromuscular conditions. The current gold standard for measuring 3D GRFs is force plates and instrumented treadmills. However, force plates can capture GRFs for only one step at a time and are limited to a stationary setup. And while instrumented treadmills can capture data continuously, they tend to disrupt a person's natural gait. Hence, the scientists' desire to create something more portable and accessible. Achieving their vision required collaboration between the University of Portsmouth's School of Computing and its School of Psychology, Sport and Health Sciences. "This partnership has really highlighted the benefit of collaboration to bring together different skill sets," said Dr Tim Exell, a senior lecturer in biomechanics and rehabilitation science at the University and study co-author. "All human movement, whether in elite sports, recreational activities or rehabilitation, is caused by forces and being able to accurately measure those forces outside a lab environment is a game-changer to improve sporting performance, identify injury risks and improve recovery after injury or other conditions." Their TG0 Smart Insole integrates built-in pressure sensors and an inertial measurement unit (IMU) to track foot pressure and movement. An IMU is a device that contains an array of sensors that measure motion by detecting how fast the foot is moving in different directions (accelerometer), how it is rotating (gyroscope), and the direction the foot is pointing (magnetometer). Machine learning is fed all the measurements taken by the pressure sensors and IMU to predict GRFs. The researchers tested the TG0 Smart Insole on a group of five healthy adults with differing body weights and heights. Participants first had a warm-up session that included walking and jumping to minimize data variability caused by muscle stiffness or unfamiliarity with the equipment. Then, they were fitted with the insole and asked to perform a series of movements on a force plate: deep squatting, stepping in place, running in place, swaying left and right, jumping in place, and jumping backwards and forwards. After comparing the GRF data from the insole and the force plate, which was used as a reference, the researchers found that the insole reliably predicted GRF with a 4.16% error rate. The error rate reflects the normalized root mean squared error (NRMSE), which is a measure of prediction accuracy against gold standard force plate measurements. While the error rate is low, it's important to consider the context in which these insoles will be used, as the acceptable error margin may vary depending on the application - for example, rehabilitation and healthcare versus athletic performance. However, the researchers noted that studies into other GRF measurement methods, such as motion sensors or pressure insoles, had reported NRMSE errors of between 8% and 20%. The smart insoles communicate via Bluetooth low-energy (BLE) with a PC-based USB dongle. They're fitted with an integrated battery that continuously collects data for around eight hours. The researchers foresee their smart insoles being used in several applications. They could help athletes track their movement, optimize training, and reduce injury risk. Doctors and physical therapists could use them to monitor patients with mobility issues or those recovering from injuries. They could also collect data to advance sports science and biomechanics research. However, the main impetus behind developing the smart insoles was the need to improve diabetic foot care. Diabetics are at risk of developing peripheral neuropathy, which means that sensation in their feet is reduced and places them at risk of foot ulcers that can become infected and, in the worst-case scenario, require amputation. A smart, pressure-sensing insole would reduce that risk. "TG0's mission is to use embedded AI and low-cost material to revolutionize the human-machine interfaces, make them accessible, sustainable and smart," said Dr Liucheng Guo, the company's co-founder and CTO and corresponding author of the study. "By combining academic research with industry expertise, we've improved our low-cost smart sensing technology that could change the way we interact with the world - both in sports and healthcare. The study not only showcases our commitment to innovation but also paves the way for next-generation smart sensing solutions that extend beyond sports into broader health applications." The study was supported by Innovate UK through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) between the University of Portsmouth and TG0. KTPs are programs that connect universities with businesses to develop real-world solutions using academic expertise. The study was published in the journal Intelligent Sports and Health. The corresponding author, Liucheng Guo, is an associate editor for the journal, but he was not involved in the editorial review or the decision to publish this study.