Force Sensitive Insoles for Rowing

Abstract

The Force Sensitive Insoles for Rowing measure plantar force throughout the rowing stroke. The aim of the project is to give rowers a tool to help them understand how they apply force to the boat with their feet. When forces are applied efficiently, boats move faster, but when not properly timed, force in the feet will slow the boat down. The device consists of a low-cost, battery-powered insole embedded with Flexiforce force sensors. The data recorded by the sensors in the boat is stored in the controller, which is mounted in the boat. After a rowing session, the rower can view their data in synchronization with video, allowing them to perform data-enhanced frame-by-frame technique analysis. In the future, this device could be coupled with force sensors at other key locations (e.g. on the handle, on the surface of the blade) to provide a rower a more complete picture of how force is applied throughout their rowing stroke.