Exploring the Reliability and Validity of Smart Insoles in Gait Parameter Measurement: A Cross-sectional Study

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the reliability of gait parameters measured using a smart insole device compared with the GaitRite system, which is widely regarded as the gold standard for gait analysis. Additionally, this study sought to examine the clinical applicability of wearable sensor-based gait analysis technology. Design: Cross-sectional study Methods: A total of 25 healthy adult participants were recruitedfor this study. Temporal gait parameters,including cadence, step time, stride time, swing phase, and stance phase were simultaneously measured using both a smart insole and the GaitRite system. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated to determine the level of agreement between the devices, and Bland-Altman plots were generated to assess the consistency of the measurements. Results: Excellent reliability was found for key variables, such as stride time (Lt: ICC = 0.97, Rt: ICC = 0.90), and high consistency was observed for the stance phase and step time. All parameters demonstrated statistically significant agreement (p < 0.001), and most of the data points were within the 95% limit of agreement. Conclusions: The findings suggest that smart insoles provide reliability comparable to that of traditional gait analysis systems. Their portability, affordability, and capacity for real-time data collection enhance their value in bothclinical and real-world environments. These results support broader adoption of wearable gait analysis tools for mobility assessment and rehabilitation monitoring.