Detection of Gait Events Using a Vibratory Gyroscope

The replacement of force sensitive resistors (FSRs) with a single vibratory gyroscope has been examined for use within a drop foot correction system. The sensor is small and lightweight enough to be easily attached to the shoe, and may be used (currently with an IBM compatible PC) to detect four gait events: heel contact, foot flat, heel rise and toe off. The cost of the gyroscopic sensor is comparable to that of two FSRs, but it is expected that the lifetime will be greater. To date the system has been used to reliably detect these events in the gait of eight able bodied subjects verified using either a force platform or two FSRs. The system has also been used successfully to detect the gait events in eight hemiplegic subjects. A portable version of the system is to be developed which may be used with the University of Surrey’s Compustim 10B two channel gait assist stimulator.