AI Insoles Track Biomechanics for Athletes

The evolution of wearable technology has moved performance analysis from controlled laboratories to the real world of competition. Traditionally, biomechanical data could only be captured in specific lab settings, but the development of Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) allows for this data to be collected from sensors placed directly in an athlete's shoe during any activity. Vancouver-based Plantiga, founded in 2017, embeds its Arc5 sensor pod into footwear to create a "gait lab in a shoe." The system captures stride-by-stride metrics such as ground contact time, landing forces, and movement asymmetries, collecting data for up to 12 hours to build a comprehensive movement profile. The platform's AI, named "Norman," establishes an individual's baseline movement patterns and flags deviations that may indicate fatigue or an increased risk of injury, acting like a check-engine light for the body. Case studies have shown the technology can identify asymmetrical jump landings in volleyball players that contribute to overuse injuries and can more accurately assess limb symmetry during ACL tear rehabilitation than some standard clinical tests. This technology is already in use at elite levels of sport. University of Connecticut basketball player Paige Bueckers began wearing Plantiga sensors to gather data following a series of significant injuries. Similarly, Colorado Avalanche captain Gabe Landeskog has credited the insole data with providing crucial guidance throughout his injury rehabilitation process. Complementing the in-shoe biomechanics, Kinexon's wearable sensors are utilized by over 500 professional teams, including approximately 85% of NBA franchises, to monitor overall athlete load. These IMU sensors track metrics like acceleration and jump counts, allowing coaching staff to manage training intensity and make data-informed decisions to prevent overtraining.