Mr. Dipak Kumar Agrawal, a doctoral student in Telecommunication and Computer Engineering at Suranaree University of Technology (SUT), has completed a groundbreaking research visit to Hirosaki University, Japan, from April 14-27, 2025.
The research visit, funded through the CIA Co-Matching External Funds program, focused on advancing the project “Investigation of the Improvement of Physiotherapy Interventions in Ankle Sprain Patients Using Smart Insoles with AI as a Portable Gait Analysis System.”
Research Activities and Collaboration
During his two-week stay, Agrawal conducted comprehensive research activities including recruiting and assessing 15 participants comprising both ACL-injured patients and healthy controls. The study involved collecting pre- and post-rehabilitation gait and posture data using innovative SuraSole smart insoles technology.
Key measurements included center of pressure (COP), pressure-time integral (PTI), forward trunk inclination (FTI), static sway, and plantar pressure analysis. The research team also implemented a short-term rehabilitation program lasting 4-5 days for the injured participant group.
Significant Research Outcomes
The study yielded promising results, with significant improvements observed in postural stability and gait metrics following rehabilitation. Notable reductions in COP sway and PTI measurements demonstrated the effectiveness of progress tracking through wearable sensor technology.
The research was conducted in collaboration with Dr. Takaaki Ishikawa and his students at Hirosaki University, who provided positive feedback on the smart-insole gait analysis system and its applications in rehabilitation training for sports injuries.
Future Research Directions
Building on the successful collaboration, both institutions plan to prepare a joint research publication documenting their findings. Additionally, a larger clinical study is being planned at Hirosaki University in partnership with Suranaree University of Technology to further validate the smart insole technology’s effectiveness in physiotherapy interventions.
This research represents a significant advancement in the integration of AI and wearable technology for healthcare applications, particularly in ankle sprain rehabilitation and gait analysis systems.