Degradable, biocompatible, and flexible capacitive pressure sensor for intelligent gait recognition and rehabilitation training

Gait recognition and rehabilitation training based on pressure sensing technology have an important role in the field of rehabilitation medicine. However, existing pressure sensors that are used in this process are often fabricated from non-degradable or non-biocompatible source materials, which limits their application in long-term sustainable use. In this study, we propose a high-performance, degradable, biocompatible and flexible capacitive pressure sensor. Its dielectric layer is prepared using a polyvinyl alcohol/sodium alginate (PVA/SA) electrospun nanofiber membrane (ENM), while its upper and lower electrodes are fabricated from PVA@graphene screen-printed ENMs. Experimental results demonstrate the sensor's exceptional pressure sensing performance, characterized by its high sensitivity (0.54 kPa⁻¹ at 0–10 kPa), low detection limit (∼2.2 Pa), rapid response time (26.6/29.9 ms), and excellent stability (5000 cycles). Furthermore, it exhibits outstanding biocompatibility, achieving a cell viability assay survival rate exceeding 97%, and remarkable degradability, completely degrading within one hour. A gait recognition and rehabilitation training system has been developed by integrating the sensors with a deep learning algorithm and wireless transmission technology. The system can effectively monitor and record dynamic parameters of lower limb swing during walking, exhibiting an impressive gait recognition accuracy of 98% over five normal and abnormal gaits. Moreover, it can guide patients in performing diverse rehabilitation actions as well as monitor their progress through action count recording. This innovative solution offers a sustainable approach to gait recognition and rehabilitation training within the field of rehabilitation medicine, thereby opening up new avenues for patient recovery.