Ding-dong: Now you're walking properly!

The wearable from CERITER with the Stride One platform has been on the market for two years. The principle is simple: a thin and flexible insole in the shoe collects data via sensors in a clip on the shoe and then sends it to a smartphone via Bluetooth. The data is then sent to the physiotherapist via the stored portal.

The special feature of the system is that the data transmitted in real time can trigger audio signals that confirm to the user that the movement is being performed correctly. This makes it immediately clear whether someone is not stepping firmly or gently enough, or is putting the wrong weight on the foot. For patients, the audio signal is therefore a simple aid to immediately improve their gait. And this in turn increases their motivation for further training. 

The following video shows the first training session and the use of the audio signal during walking. (The video contains no spoken text.)

(Tip: Move the slider to the right and left to see the change in the dashboard below!)

Before (left image, blue background): shows, among other things, the push-off value of the left foot before training. This is the value of the pressure when pushing off from the ground (blue bar). The graph shows that the pressure on the left big toe and the midfoot is only strong enough for 8 percent of the steps.

After: The values in the right-hand image (gray background) show the values after the first training session with audio signals.

The push-off value now shows that the patient has increased the pressure from just 8 percent to 75 percent.

If required, the graph above can be expanded to show even more precise data on the load during training, also over a period of time. As the values are always displayed for both feet, asymmetries become clear: which foot is loaded more or less? The “stance ratio” shows the stance ratio per step. Is the patient exercising correctly or is she perhaps neglecting one side? How long is the swing phase and is the sequence correct?

This allows the therapist to see all developments directly and remotely over a longer period of time and give appropriate instructions for further training.

The introduction of new technologies can improve therapeutic effectiveness. It also offers economic benefits. Faster recovery times reduce the overall cost of treatment and shorter rehabilitation times mean both less resource consumption and lower personnel costs. The precise measurement data helps to optimize therapies and achieve verifiable results, which in turn improves quality assurance and reporting to insurance companies, for example.

Wearables can be seen as valuable tools in rehabilitation. However, the human component and experience of therapists will remain essential. This is because they can customize therapy plans based on their personal observations and interactions that go beyond what wearables can capture. They motivate, guide and support their patients in a way that devices cannot replace. This is because they are trained to recognize changes in the patient's condition that may not be fully detected by sensors. They can react accordingly and adjust the treatment plan immediately. And, of course, human interaction plays a crucial role in providing motivation and emotional support.

Ideally, the combination of technology and human experience leads to the best possible therapeutic success.