Analysis and selection of the Force Sensitive Resistors for gait characterisation

Force Sensitive Resistors (FSRs) are used for kinetic evaluation of human gait by measuring under foot pressures during gait. FSRs from different manufacturers, with variation in morphologies and loading capacities were selected in past research projects. However a functional comparison of different FSRs and options on how to choose them for gait analysis is not established yet. In this work, investigation and comparison of behavioral patterns in measuring normal gait from two major FSR sensors are done. These FSRs had been utilised previously for the purpose of gait sensing. They were placed underneath the heel alternatively to detect heel pressures while wearing footwear with laces and with another footwear possessing straps for harnessing. Both sensors are connected to a miniature low power wireless senor node used for data collection and wireless transmission for off-line analysis of pressure patterns. The results give good indications on capabilities and trade-offs when using the two sensors types.