Design and analysis of a fiber Bragg grating-based foot pressure assessment system

J Biophotonics. 2024 Apr 25:e202400070. doi: 10.1002/jbio.202400070. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

This research presents a comprehensive study focused on the design, implementation, and analysis of an innovative fiber Bragg grating (FBG) based foot pressure assessment system. FBG sensors strategically placed on the great toe, metatarsal 1, metatarsal 2, and heel provided distinct peak resonant wavelengths, strains, and pressures during experimental cycles. Participant 1 exhibited peak resonant wavelength of 1537.745 nm for great toe, 1537.792 nm for metatarsal 1, 1537.812 nm for metatarsal 2, and 1537.824 nm for heel. Participant 2 showcased distinct graphical representations with peak resonant wavelengths ranging from 1537.903 to 1537.917 nm. In a fracture patient condition, the FBG-based system monitored weight-bearing capacity, integrated with real-time X-ray imaging for dynamic insights of rehabilitation as distinct approach. The strains and pressures at each position exhibited notable variations along with the sensitivity of 1.31με obtained across all positions, underscoring the FBG-based system's reliability in capturing subtle foot pressure.

Keywords: FBG sensor; foot pressure; fracture; heel; interrogator; metatarsal; sensitivity; toe.