A New, Simple, Inexpensive System for Measuring Foot Movement with Widespread Applications in the Rehabilitation Clinic.

A new, simple, inexpensive IMU system for measuring shod foot movement was developed. The system consisted of six 9-axis IMU wirelings and six control packages. Each wireling was connected to the control package through a cable. Foot switches were used to detect heel strike and toe off. Three dimensional joint motions of the 1st metatarsus relative to phalanx (Met-Ph), and mid-foot relative to 1st metatarsus (Mid-Met) were tracked. One normal subject with no foot deformities walked in the corridor at self-selected pace first barefoot, then with nurse footwear. The system showed good consistency within walks. Between walks consistency showed variations consistent with human gait analysis. Joint range of motion for Met-Ph and Mid-Met were decreased in shod walking except that dorsiflexion of Met-Ph increased.