Optimal Sensors Placement-driven Design of FBG based Insole for Plantar Pressure Monitoring in Classical Ballet

This study presents an optimized smart insole design based on Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors for monitoring plantar pressure in classical ballet. By applying Lloyd's algorithm for Optimal Sensor Placement (OSP), the research identifies critical loading zones during grand plié and relevé exercises. Experimental results show that, while the grand plié distributes weight across the hindfoot, the relevé concentrates extreme pressure, up to 1301.3 kPa, on the shoe platform. The proposed design integrates 18 FBGs to ensure high spatial resolution in biomechanically relevant areas. This OSP-driven approach offers a superior method in wearable devices realization for objective fatigue assessment and injury prevention in dancers.