HeelLink: A Smart Adaptive Insole for Idiopathic Toe Walking Rehabilitation
Biomedical Engineering
Ethan Langland
Abstract
This project develops a smart corrective insole for children with idiopathic toe walking, a gait pattern in which the forefoot contacts the ground instead of a consistent heel strike. The device combines plantar force sensors, an adjustable heel air bladder, and a Bluetooth-connected smartphone application to monitor gait in real time, encourage a heel-down walking pattern, and allow clinicians to adjust treatment remotely.
The overall goal is to create a low-profile, comfortable, and practical conservative treatment that improves adherence and supports gait retraining during normal daily activities.