Running shoes to transmit real-time biomechanics

PARIS – A consortium of six industrial partners and research institutes has launched a two-year research project aimed at developing running shoes with embedded electronics for real-time transmission of biomechanical data to prevent injuries and improve performance.

The Runsafer project aims to develop a running system that will consist of a microelectronic measurement system embedded on both shoes, able to transmit the main biomechanical parameters during running.

Project partners said the information will be transmitted to a Micro SD card in the runner's mobile phone, where a freeware mobile phone application will inform in real time the runner about the planned activity and performance achieved. It will also suggest alternatives to the motion pattern in order to prevent injuries and integrate additional information such as heart rate or GPS positioning.

After the running activity, partners explained that the runner will be able to download all the generated running information in a web portal. This web portal will allow the generation of training plans, recommendations and the follow up of the training improvements. It will include Web 2.0. functionality, allowing the user to be in contact with other runners worldwide and built and share contents as running routes, footwear info, etc.

Researchers said the system integrated in the shoe has to fulfill advanced requirements, including high-precision measurements, shock resistance to shoe deformation or dampness, lightweight and comfortable.

Coordinated by the Institute of Biomechanics of Valencia, the EU-funded project gathers research centers IPMS-Fraunhofer and the Estonian Innovation Institute as well as Kelme and Bkool, in Spain, Dukosi, in U.K., and Nuromedia, in Germany.

The Institute of Biomechanics of Valencia said it is working on the design of the running shoe while Fraunhofer IPMS is responsible for the development of the microsystem, the wireless charging of the accumulator integrated into the shoe and for the wireless transmission of the measurement data.

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