Date of Publication :7th March 2026

Abstract: Foot drop is a common neuromuscular impairment characterized by difficulty in ankle dorsiflexion, leading to abnormal gait patterns, increased risk of falls, and reduced mobility. Accurate prediction and analysis of ground reaction force (GRF) are critical for the effective design and control of rehabilitation systems aimed at restoring functional gait. This research proposes a novel microfluidics-based approach for the prediction of ground reaction force, offering a compact, sensitive, and cost-effective alternative to conventional force plates and pressure sensors. The proposed system integrates microfluidic channels embedded within a flexible insole structure, where variations in plantar pressure during gait induce measurable fluid displacement and pressure differentials. These fluidic responses are correlated with vertical and shear components of ground reaction force using calibrated mathematical models and signal processing algorithms. Experimental validation was conducted with healthy subjects under controlled walking conditions to establish the relationship between microfluidic output parameters and reference GRF data. Results demonstrate that the microfluidics-based sensing platform achieves reliable force estimation with high sensitivity and repeatability, while maintaining portability and low power requirements. The system shows strong potential for real-time gait monitoring and adaptive control in foot drop rehabilitation devices such as functional electrical stimulation (FES) systems and powered ankle-foot orthoses. This approach provides a promising pathway toward the development of lightweight, wearable, and intelligent rehabilitation solutions for individuals with foot drop.

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