Foot Ground Interface (FGI) for the Human Research Facility (HRF) 981650
The Foot Ground Interface (FGI) will be a human instrumentation system component of the Human Research Facility (HRF) onboard the International Space Station (ISS). It will provide a primary means to dynamically measure individual foot pressure distribution of crew members during normal work, training and exercise routines. In addition to the measurement of total force between the foot and the surface, regional force values will also be available. The FGI shall be capable of operating autonomously in a data acquisition mode and collecting data on an internal PC Card, or in conjunction with either the International Space Station laptop computer or workstation computer for onboard analysis and display.
The system will consist of two flexible insole inserts, cables that run from the insoles along the outside of each leg to the waist, and a waist pack. The insole is a standard looking shoe insole that fits into the crew members foot garment and has 99 sensors located over the entire area allowing for force distribution on the sole of the foot verses time. The waist pack will contain the signal processing, data storage, and battery along with control switches and status indicators for battery life and storage capacity. Software will also be provided that will be used to display and analyze the data.
Applications and Benefits
Spaceflight
Accurate data on amount and type of exercise to prevent deconditioning.
Remote monitoring of foot strike and gait analysis.
Use with Virtual Reality in remote training and recreation.
Earth Benefits
With microgravity results, evaluate use of exercise to prevent osteoporosis.
Real time feedback on stride and gait during running.
Early detection of foot ulcers for Diabetic patients.
Increase Virtual Reality potential immensely by providing foot force feedback in the environment.
