Design and Development of a Real-Time Foot Pressure Analysis System for Leprosy and Diabetic Patients

The study introduces a cost-effective pressure-sensing slipper to prevent foot ulcers in individuals with sensory loss caused by leprosy. The device integrates four force-sensitive resistors (FSRs) in the sole, with an Arduino microcontroller enabling real-time plantar pressure monitoring. Alerts are displayed on an OLED screen, with thresholds identifying forward, backward, or simultaneous overpressure events. Calibration customizes the system to each user, and warnings are issued within 2 seconds of detecting abnormal pressure.Tested on 20 participants (average weight: 65.7 ± 12.3 kg), the device demonstrated 96% accuracy in forward overpressure detection, 93% in backward, and 91% in simultaneous cases. User feedback highlighted ease of use, calibration, and timely alerts. This slipper holds significant promise for mitigating ulceration risks in low-resource settings. Planned enhancements include improved durability and remote monitoring for expanded clinical applications.