3D Printed Foot Sensor

Over the past several years we have reported on a number of new applications for 3D printing to assist clinicians in diagnosing and treating physical conditions. Recently, a new magnet-based 3D printer was used to develop sensors that can track foot movement to better measure, analyze and correct pathological gait patterns.

Kinematic analysis of the foot has improved greatly with the evolution of camera and computer technologies that can track movement in three dimensions. However, most of the studies performed to date analyze only bare feet. Now researchers have developed a novel sensor and shoes modified with “windows,” enabling in-shoe measurements to be taken.

A dynamic trial revealed good to excellent repeatability and reliability of intra- and inter-session measurements, indicating that the multi-segment foot analysis is possible even when the subject is wearing shoes. The new system will make it easier to assess and fine-tune treatments for walking abnormalities.