Figure 1
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Team 9
Team Members |
Faculty Advisor |
Cydney-Alexis De La Rosa |
Sabato Santaniello Sponsor University of Connecticut |
sponsored by
The objective of this project is to design, prototype, and test a smart insole to detect FOG and provide relief for patients affected by Parkinson’s disease, as well as to analyze the walking cycle to detect and suppress the Freezing of Gait (FOG) episodes before impacting a patient’s quality of life. The insole is composed of PLA base with a top layer of EVA material. Two FlexiForce A201 force-sensitive resistors sensors (FSRs) are positioned underneath the insole, specifically in the forefoot and heel areas. The computational unit, which analyzes the gate in realt time and detects FOG, is secured to the ankle with a velcro adjustable elastic strap. Upon detection of FOG, the unit will activate an audio cue to aid the patient overcoming freezing. This design improves upon state of the art alternatives seeing as it is discrete, light-weight, and uses event-triggered sound cues for the most efficient correction of FOG symptoms. Lastly, the additional EVA layer serves to shock absorb any harsh force thus providing patients with maximum comfort.