Dynamic Arch Compensation Based on Controllable Pneumatic Insoles for Flatfoot Deformity

Human feet are crucial for supporting body weight and adapting to complex terrains. Adult-acquired flatfoot deformity (AAFD) arises from congenital or acquired causes, impairing the foot's ability to transition between flexible and rigid states, known as the lock-unlock mechanism during the stance and swing phases. In this study, we propose a plantar dynamic support system that utilizes pneumatic airbags, regulated through a model predictive control (MPC) strategy to minimize tracking errors. Experiments were conducted to measure kinetic parameters and electromyography signals, validating the system's efficacy. The results showed improvements in the normalized navicular height truncated (NNHt) index and reductions in muscle activity of the fibularis longus (FL), soleus (SOL), and gastrocnemius (GAST) by 4.42%, 16.65%, and 23.84%, respectively, during the stance phase.