Using knitted sensor technology to identify gait events during walking

Wearable sensor technology has potential application in a number of areas of rehabilitation medicine. In this study we investigated the performance of a knitted resistive strain sensor, integrated into a sock, during walking. Our results showed that, although there were differences between sensor output and ankle joint angle, a simple algorithm could be used to estimate three gait events: heel strike, toe off and heel lift. This demonstrates the potential for knitted sensor technology to be used in future functional electrical stimulation applications.