Designation:
Smart, instrumented insoles designed for the ambulatory measurement of ground contact forces and plantar load distribution.
Manufacturer: Novel / Loadsol (USA).
Main Function:
- Accurate measurement of normal (vertical) ground reaction forces exerted by the foot during walking, running, and jumping activities.
- Detailed analysis of plantar load distribution, symmetry, and precise Center of Pressure (COP) tracking.
- In-the-field tracking in authentic ecological conditions (e.g., outdoor pitches, training courts, or during live competitions).
Technical Characteristics:
- Highly flexible, fully integrated capacitive sensors embedded within a comfortable insole.
- Sampling Frequency: Reliable data capture at 100–200 Hz.
- Precision: Approximately ± 5% accuracy for total vertical force measurements.
- Wireless Connectivity: Bluetooth streaming directly to a dedicated smartphone or tablet application.
- Battery Autonomy: Endures 8–12 hours of continuous use depending on the testing mode.
- Fully compatible with advanced mobile applications for immediate real-time data visualization, recording, and seamless CSV export.
Usage:
- In-depth kinematic and kinetic analysis of gait and running mechanics outside the laboratory.
- Biomechanical monitoring and feedback in sports performance and post-injury rehabilitation contexts.
- Evaluation of bilateral force asymmetries and real-world injury risk screening.
- Optimization of sports techniques, footwear efficacy, and overall athletic performance.
Advantages:
✔ Extremely portable, lightweight, and unintrusive, enabling genuine measurement under real-world athletic conditions.
✔ Very user-friendly setup with an intuitive mobile application interface.
✔ Provides dynamic, continuous tracking of plantar force variations outside a confined lab environment.
Limitations:
❌ Less precise and captures fewer force vectors (vertical only) compared to stationary, laboratory-grade 3D force plates.
❌ Data accuracy is highly sensitive to the correct positioning of the insole within the shoe and the fit of the footwear itself.
❌ Represents a relatively high financial investment for professional, research-grade models.