SMART SHOE FOR ENHANCED MOBILITY IN PARKINSON''S DISEASE PATIENTS

Abstract

ABSTRACT: In order to Improve mobility and safety for people with movement disorders-especially those who suffer from Parkinson's disease-related Freezing of Gait (FOG)-this project integrates FSR400 force sensors embedded at acupuncture points in the insole to capture precise foot pressure data. Then, using an ESP8266 microprocessor, the system analyzes this data in real-time to detect gait abnormalities, activating a vibratory motor at the back of the shoe to provide tactile feedback and a laser light at the front to visually guide the user, thereby facilitating movement initiation. Finally, the system has a caregiver notification feature that sends real-time alerts through a mobile application, guaranteeing prompt support.For further monitoring and assessment, the gathered data is kept in a cloud database, allowing for customized intervention plans. Through improved gait monitoring and support, this all-encompassing approach seeks to empower people with movement disorders by enhancing their self-esteem and general quality of life.

Specification

FIELD OF INVENTION
The innovation refers to the realm of healthcare technology, specifically addressing
mobility issues in patients with Parkinson's Disease (PO). Parkinson's disease is a
degenerative neurological condition that impairs movement significantly and can
cause symptoms like FOG (freezing of gait) and a higher risk of falling. The
cmTent therapies and assistive devices frequently fall short of completely resolving
these mobility problems, especially FOG, which is defined as an abrupt and
transient incapacity to advance the feet despite the desire to walk. The Smart Shoe
is a wearable, affordable device that was created with the intention of improving
mobility in Parkinson's patients. To help avoid or lessen the freezing of gait, the
shoe incorporates vibratory cue feedback in addition to real-time gait tracking
through the use of Force Sensor Resistors (FSR). The device is a major
improvement over existing mobility aids since it can continually monitor gait and
react instantaneously, giving patients greater liberty and safety in their everyday
activities.
BACKGROUND OF THE INNOVATION
Parkinson's disease is a neurological illness that mostly affects mobility. It causes
tremors, stiffness, bradykinesia (slow movement), and one of the most difficult
symptoms, freezing of gait . FOG is typified by brief episodes in which patients
wish to walk but are unable to propel their feet forward, which increases the risk of
falls and injury. Patients' movement is severely limited by the progressive nature of
Parkinson's disease and the sudden development of FOG, which lowers their
quality of life.
Medication and physical therapy are two of the current treatment modalities that
only partially relieve FOG. While walking assistance and visual or aural clues are
examples of assistive technologies, their efficacy in the moment is limited .
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Therefore, a creative, adaptable solution that can deal with these problems
on-the-fly is required.
This necessity gave rise to the invention of the Smart Shoe, which provides a
useful wearable solution that combines sensor technology and vibrat01y input.
With the use of Force Sensor Resistors to continually monitor gait patterns and
real-time vibrato1y cues during episodes of FOG, the Smmt Shoe helps Parkinson's
patients be more mobile, less likely to fall, and more independent overall. This
method effectively reduces FOG episodes by utilizing real-time data and feedback,
which is a major improvement over current tools.
US20240041349A I-An autonomous processing module and instrumented footwear
are used in a quantitative gait training and/or analysis system. Sensors built into the
instrumented footwear may allow for the real-time extraction of gait kinematics
and the provision of feedback. The article describes embodiments that use
calibration-based estimation of kinematic gait characteristics. Real-time gait stance
phase identification is achieved via an artificial neural network.
US9307932B2-The methodology and technique for evaluating walking and human
gait imitation are new. To identify particular gait events and characteristics, it
makes use of a portable device equipped with inertial sensors and sophisticated
signal processing algorithms. Even in unrestricted situations like turning or
running, the system's wireless inertial modules, which are fastened to the foot,
provide spatiotemporal data like gait cycle duration, stride length, and velocity.
Additionally, it records the variability of specific temporal and geographical factors
like turning angle and foot clearance. This technology is portable and simple to
operate, providing objective, quantitative gait assessment without requiring
elaborate laboratory sets.
US 11660024B2-The invention relates to techniques for utilizing three-dimensional
(30) foot movement data over time to analyze a subject's gait. It entails
recognizing the data segments that correspond to steps, figuring out the attributes
of each step, and then clustering the data segments according to these features. A
class of steps, such as the subject's typical stride pattern, is represented by each
cluster. Systems created to implement these techniques are also included in the
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invention; these are especially useful for evaluating and analyzing gait m
individuals with mobility disabilities.
US20070203435A 1-A gadget and technique for stimulating a subject's foot based
on feedback from walking might affect many aspects of the subject's stride. The
apparatus might have a vibration stimulator, a switch or controller, and a pressure
sensor. Based on the pressure sensor's feedback, the switch or controller activates
the stimulator. The controller can collect data on characteristics like step or stride
interval, step characteristics, and other ambulatory-related information. It can also
incorporate algorithms to administer stimulation based on the pressure sensor
input.
DISADVANTAGES OF EXISTING SOLUTIONS
Medications may reduce Parkinson's symptoms momentarily; however, they
frequently do not address Freezing of Gait, particularly when the illness is further
advanced. The inability of walkers and canes to offer real-time feedback or
intervention during bouts of FOG limits the effectiveness of rhese assistive devices
in preventing or reducing freezing during critical moments.
Furthermore, the effectiveness of auditory and visual cueing approaches in therapy
varies, and progress during FOG episodes is not always consistent. A lot of
wearables are too big, unpleasant, or expensive to use all the time. In addition to
being ineffective at adapting solutions to individual gait patterns, current devices
are also expensive, which further restricts accessibility for a large number of
Parkinson's sutferers.
ADVANTAGES OF PRESENT DISCLOSED INVENTION:
Compared to current options, the suggested Smmt Shoe system provides a number
of significant benefits for people with Parkinson's disease who are having mobility
problems. The incorporation of Force Sensor Resistors enables real-time gait
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tracking, which is one of the mam advantages. This allows the system to
continuously study gait patterns and rapidly detect anomalous motions, in FOG
Furthermore, the smart shoe helps patients regain movement and shorten the time
of freezing by providing instant vibratOiy cue input during FOG episodes. The
patient's capacity to overcome FOG and keep walking is strengthened by this
feedback system, which improves their mobility and independence. Additionally,
by providing immediate vibratory cue input during FOG episodes, the smart shoe
aids patients in regaining movement and reduces the duration of freezing. This
feedback mechanism increases the patient's mobility and independence by
strengthening their ability to overcome FOG and continue walking.
Another significant benefit of the smart shoe is its cost. In comparison to current
expensive equipment, it provides a more economical alternative, making it
available to a greater number of Parkinson's sufferers. Additionally, the smart shoe
enhances patient safety by lowering the risk of falls by decreasing the frequency
and length of FOG episodes. All things considered, the smart shoe offers
Parkinson's patients an adaptable, affordable, and user-friendly solution that greatly
improves their mobility and quality of life.
Summary of the Innovation:
For individuals with Parkinson's disease, the Smart Shoe is a cutting-edge wearable
gadget that helps with FOG, a mobility issue. Force Sensor Resistors are integrated
into the insole by the system to continually and in real-time monitor gait pattems.
The shoe provides vibratory cue feedback to help the patient overcome freezing
and resume walking when it detects anomalous motions, such as FOG.
This inexpensive, lightweight, and easy-to-use gadget offers a non-invasive way to
increase mobility, lower the risk of falls, and promote independence in Parkinson's
patients. The smart shoe considerably improves on existing mobility aids by
delivering real-time gait monitoring and tailored therapies, making Parkinson's
disease symptoms easier to manage.
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OBJECTIVE:
The main goal of the Smart Shoe innovation is to create a wearable, reasonably
priced device that addresses Freezing of Gait and lowers fall risks, hence
improving mobility in patients with Parkinson's disease. This is perfom1ed through
real-time gait tracking utilizing Force Sensor Resistors and provides instantaneous
vibratory cue feedback to help patients resume mobility during FOG episodes. The
system promises to increase patient independence, safety, and quality of life by
offering a non-invasive, easy-to-use gadget that continuously detects and adjusts to
the patient's gait patterns.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGURE 1: Block Diagram of the Gait Monitoring and Feedback System
for Parkinson's Patients
The block diagram illustrates how the system tracks the user's foot movements
using a force sensor. Real-time analysis of the sensor data is performed upon
detection of gait. When a problem like Freezing of Gait (FOG) is detected, the
system reacts by turning on a laser light and vibrating motor to assist the user in
regaining their mobility. Furthermore, an automated alert message is transmitted to
the caregiver, guaranteeing ongoing observation and prompt support.
FIGURE 2: System Workflow for Gait Detection, Feedback, and
Caregiver Monitoring
The system's functionality is depicted in the workflow diagram, starting with the
FSR400 force sensor, which records data on foot pressure. The ESP8266
microprocessor analyzes this data in real-time to identify anomalies and patterns of
gait, including Freezing of Gait (FOG). The device detects abnormalities in the
patient's gait and then uses a laser light to assist the patient toward the next step
while also providing vibratory feedback to help the patient return to normal
mobility. Through a mobile app, caregivers can access the processed data and store
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it on a cloud server for additional analysis. This feature enables caregivers to watch
the user's stride in real-time and receive notifications when problems arise.
FIGURE 3: Prototype Setup of the Smart Shoe System
The system's components are integrated into the shoe in the prototype. In the event
of inegular gait patterns, the vibratory motor, which is attached to the back of the
shoe, provides feedback. To assist the patient in concentrating and moving forward,
a laser light is mounted in the front of the shoe. To provide more exact force data
for gait analysis, the FSR400 force sensors are inserted into the insole and placed
at acupuncture sites.
FIGURE 4: Force vs. Date Graph Showing Gait Abnormalities
This graphic shows a force versus date graph that was captured and shown using
the ThingSpcak p1atform. Force data obtained in real time from the FSR400
sensors is displayed on the graph. The device instantly engages the feedback
mechanism (vibratory motor and laser light) to help the user when an anomaly in
the force data is found, suggesting a possible dismption in gait. This graphic
depiction aids in monitoring gait patterns over time and indicates when remedial
action is necessa1y.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED SYSTEM:
The goal of the suggested method is to improve the safety and mobility of people
with movement problems, especially those who suffer from Parkinson's
disease-related Freezing of Uait (FOG). This cutting-edge system combines a
number of essential elements to track gait patterns, deliver feedback in real time,
and notify caregivers when needed.
Force Sensor (FSR400):
In order to collect precise foot pressure data while walking, the FSR400 (Force
Sensing Resistor) is a pressure-sensitive sensor that is implanted in the shoe's
insole and placed at particular acupuncture sites. For the purpose of evaluating gait
dynamics and recognizing anomalies, such FOG episodes, this real-time data
collection is essential. The FSR400 has the advantage of being lightweight,
flexible, and sensitive to pressure changes, which allows for accur~te readings that
are necessary for efficient monitoring.
ESP8266 microprocessor:
The information gathered from the force sensors is processed by the ESP8266
microprocessor. It analyzes data in real time to find anomalies and identify pattems
in gait. The networking features of the microprocessor let it talk to other parts of
the system and make data transfer to the cloud easier.
Vibrating motor:
The rear of the shoe is equipped with a vibratory motor. The motor engages to give
the user feedback through touch when the system notices an inegularity in their
gait, encouraging them to regain stability and regulate their movement.
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Laser light module:
The laser light is positioned at the front of the shoe to provide the user with a
visual cue. The light helps initiate movement by guiding the user's attention and
motivating them to take the next step when it is engaged during a FOG episode.
Cloud data storage:
All gait-related data is gathered and stored by the system in a cloud database. This
makes it possible to continuously monitor and analyze data over time, giving
caretakers and medical experts access to past infomlation and the ability lo follow
changes in the user's gait pattems.
User interface:
The technology is interfaced with a user-friendly smartphone application that gives
caregivers real-time updates on the user's gait status. When anomalies are found,
the app gets alerts, whirh enables prompt help and intervention.
Functionality:
Using the FSR400 sensors, the system continuously tracks the user's foot motions.
The ESP8266 analyzes the data and tums on the laser light and vibratory motor
when it detects a gait anomaly. The dual feedback mechanism facilitates the user's
recovery of balance and self-assurance during walking.
Furthermore, the device automatically notifies the caregiver's mobile app via an
alam1 message if it detects an anomaly in their gait. Caregivers can keep an eye on
the issue and offer prompt aid by using the real-time information about the
occurrence included in this message.
Power Supply:
The system is convenient and easy to use because it is made to run on a
rechargeable battery. This rechargeable power supply makes the system portable
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and convenient for daily use, ensuring that it runs smoothly throughout the day.
Without having to constantly change the battery, users may charge the device over
night or during downtime, enabling ongoing monitoring and support.
By increasing mobility, boosting walking confidence, and promoting overall
quality of life, this all-inclusive strategy seeks to empower people with movement
disorders.


CLAIMS
We Claim,
[I] A gait support system with the following components:
[a] Force sensors built into insoles to record information about foot pressure
[b] A microprocessor for real-time analysis of the foot pressure data to
identify anomalies in gait
[c] A visual guidance system, like a laser light, to deliver directed signals; a
tactile feedback device, like a vibratory motor, to provide sensory cues
[d] A cloud-based database for storing and evaluating gathered data and a
communication module to notify a caregiver using a mobile application.
[2] The gait assistance system described in claim I, in which the force sensors are
inserted into the insoles at acupuncture locations to improve the detection accuracy
of abnormalities in gait.
[3] The gait assistance system described in claim I, in which a particular pattern in
the foot pressure data is used by the microprocessor to identify Freezing of Gait
(FOG).
[4] The gait assistance system described in claim I, in which movement initiation
is facilitated by activating the tactile feedback mechanism as soon as gait
irregularities are identified.
[5] The gait assistance system described in claim I, whereby, in the event that the
user is in danger of deviating from their planned path, the visual guidance
mechanism is triggered to offer directional cues.

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