BUILDING PIEZOELECTRIC INSOLE AS A

RELAXATION AND PAIN RELIEVER

DEVICE

Submitted to: Engr. Paul Jansen Romano

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements

in Research II

Submitted by:
Kevin Joshua Bialen
Earl Ramiel Cabangal
Leandro Gavino

11 - Clavicle
December 7, 2018
Pasig City Science High School
 I

INTRODUCTION

The soles of the feet are extremely sensitive to touch due to a high concentration of nerve

endings, with as many as 200,000 per sole (Dr. Anders, 2018). This makes them sensitive to

surfaces that are walked on, ticklish and some people find them to be erogenous zones. With

these, shoe insoles are very important factor for a healthy foot. Due to exposure to pressure and

shock, with time, you will suffer from foot discomfort and with continuous activities, you can

suffer pain from the fatigue.

Shoe insoles are essential and are designed to offer enhanced comfort and quality

protection to your feet. They improve the state of your feet, make your walking comfortable and

enable you to carry out your daily duties problem free. Having your insole covered with nodules

that apply gentle pressure to “vital acupressure points” on your feet can be very beneficial.

Adding electric current to the nodules of the insole can introduce some health benefits like

relieving pain and providing relaxation for the user.

This research study will focus on making piezoelectric insole as a relaxation and stress

reliever device that can generate electricity by simply doing daily activities like running,

walking, jogging, etc. This device can increase the effectivity of nodules in the insoles to

pressurize and stimulate nerve endings. This study can also reduce the use of energy cost since

the power will be generated naturally by the pressure being exerted by the user’s feet.
 According to Dictionary.com (2019), relaxation is abatement or relief from mental or

bodily work, effort, application, etc. So it means that when a person suffers from fatigue or stress

due to overwork activities, he or she needs to relax. And by using electric impulses to the

muscles which stimulate nerves pressure points on the foot can reduce pain that the person

suffers from (WebMD, 2019).

Foot fatigue or foot discomfort has been a common problem to citizens when it comes to

doing outdoor activities. One of the reasons is due to overworking which results to stress Shoe

insoles are made of high-quality materials to keep the feet comfortable and to prevent foot

disorders. It is good to note that insoles have immense ability to absorb foot pressure when

standing, walking or running.

That’s why people created comfortable shoe insoles in order to improve the general

health of your feet, protect your sole and decrease the discomfort caused by overworking. Shoe

insoles come in handy and you can always settle for inserts that fits your lifestyle. They come

with an added layer of protection to minimize stress on your feet. This also helps to prevent

muscle and tissue damage. Modifying this shoe insole with electric currents while targeting

pressure points on the foot can provide comfort and relief while also reducing stress.
 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

This study aims to create a piezoelectronic insole device that generates electricity to the

pressure points on the feet to obtain relaxation. The researches aim to answer the following

problems

 Will this device produce the amount of electricity needed to power itself?

 Will this device produce the right amount of current needed for user’s relaxation?

HYPOTHESIS

 Null Hypothesis: The piezoelectronic insole device will not work as an effective

relaxation and stress reliever device.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study can be beneficial for certain people to have another effective relaxation and

stress reliever device that can be use when experiencing fatigue and stress, due to outdoor

activities like running, walking, sports, etc.

This study will also reduce the amount of energy cost needed relaxation because of

natural generation of electricity to power up the device.

This study will also provide another way to pressurize and stimulate nerve cells in order

to function them correctly.

 The findings of this study will also provide information and will serve as a literature for

other researchers in case they will continue or modify this research study.

SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

This study will only focus on making the piezoelectric insole which utilizes the

piezoelectric elements to power up the device.

Furthermore, this will only focus on the pressure points of the foot and will not include

any body pressure point.

The target user population of this device is from 11 years old and above. The proponents

set this limit so as not to introduce any harmful effects on children below 11 years old.

This study will not include human testing and instead will only focus on making the

piezoelectric insole.

This study will only focus on making a relaxation and stress reliever device and not a

treatment device for any foot discomfort and other certain diseases.

Furthermore, this study will only prove that a beneficial amount of current will be

produce from the piezoelectric insole that can be directly transmitted to human feet pressure

points upon contact.

 DEFINITION OF TERMS

1. Insole - a removable sole worn in a shoe for warmth, as a deodorizer, or to improve the fit.

2. Electricity - a form of energy resulting from the existence of charged particles (such as

electrons or protons), either statically as an accumulation of charge or dynamically as a current.

3. Pressure Point - a point on the surface of the body sensitive to pressure.

4. Current - a flow of electricity which results from the ordered directional movement of

electrically charged particles.

5. Magnetic - capable of being attracted by or acquiring the properties of a magnet.

6. Magnet - a piece of iron (or an ore, alloy, or other material) that has its component atoms so

ordered that the material exhibits properties of magnetism, such as attracting other iron-

containing objects or aligning itself in an external magnetic field.

7. Tolerance - the ability or willingness to tolerate something.

8. Nerve - a whitish fiber or bundle of fibers that transmits impulses of sensation to the brain or

spinal cord, and impulses from these to the muscles and organs.

9. Pain - physical suffering or discomfort caused by illness or injury

10. Therapy - treatment intended to relieve or heal a disorder.

11. Stress - pressure or tension exerted on a material object.

12. Nodule - a small swelling or aggregation of cells in the body, especially an abnormal one.

13. Relaxation - abatement or relief from bodily or mental work, effort, application, etc.
 II
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

A. Pressure Points

According to HolisticZine (2018), pressure points are any point in the body at which a

pulse can be felt, and the artery can be pressurized to stop bleeding at the distal point.

Understanding the location of such points in the human body is crucial for controlling bleeding.

Martial arts experts also make us of the knowledge of pressure points to render their opponent

powerless. Besides, their locations are also explored in acupressure techniques, which focus on

relieving pain by applying pressure on certain areas of the body. Pressure to each point is applied

differently and each creates a different effect. Pain points or acupressure points, for example, use

tendons, ligaments, and muscles -- the aim is to temporarily numb the target, or, at the very least,

distract it. Thus, as you can see, pressure points are broadly categorized into three types: Self-

defense, Pain and Hemorrhage. This research will only be focusing on the category of pain, and

how to deal with it with the aid of different pressure points in the body.

B. Acupressure

According to HolisticZine (2018), acupressure is an ancient technique that allows

application of gentle pressure on the acupoint/pressure point that stimulates blood flow in the

area and flushes out the accumulated toxins while bringing more oxygen and nutrients to the

area. These points are sensitive to pressure and small impulses, because of which they release

endorphins, thereby lessening the pain felt. Acupressure points, also called acupoints or tsubos,

are points or spots on the body that manage and control electrical impulses. They are considered
as swirls of qi or chi, which is nothing but a composition of emotional, spiritual, mental, and

physical panoramas of life.

Qi is conceived as a complex current that flows through the universe and relates the

human body to everything around it. When an acupressure point is located in the same area

where you feel pain, then it is known as local point. For instance: applying pressure to the

temples relieves you of a headache. When the pain is experienced in a different region and the

point you are touching is different, the acupoint is called trigger point. For instance, applying

pressure to an acupoint in the shoulder region can give you pain in the lower region of the arm.

Yin force is described as passive, cold, receptive, and internal while yang force is

considered active, hot, productive and external. There are six yin organs: heart, spleen, lung,

kidney, pericardium, and liver. There are also six yang organs: large intestine, stomach, small

intestine, bladder, triple warmer, and gallbladder. Compared to what Western Medicine follows,

Chinese medicine views organs in a different light e.g. Points on the large intestine meridian can

be used to treat problems, like dry mouth, constipation, and arthritis.

Many acupressure points are used in order to treat pain and promote relaxation and treat

illnesses. According to Top10HomeRemedies (2017), there are more than 400 acupressure points

on the body. There are major acupressure points to relieve pain such as the “Joining the Valley

(LI 4)” acupressure point. This specific point is popular for relieving a person’s headaches,

toothaches, neck pain, and more. This study will however be focusing on the acupressure points

located below the foot, and how it can be used to relieve pain.
 C. Reflexology

The Doctors Health Press (2017) has stated that in the Chinese tradition of reflexology,

the study of feet pressure points has been used to treat, and as some believe, cure disease and

pain. It is thought sections of the feet are directly linked to every part of the body. In reflexology,

the foot is marked in sections, and each foot is outlined for the corresponding side of the body. In

our study, we will be focusing on the points that connect to the eyes, head and neck, spine,

shoulder, hips and knees, and the waist. The 2nd and 3rd toe are linked to the eyes, the head and

neck are connected to the toes, the waist is located right in the middle of the foot, the hips and

knees are connected to the side of the foot near the heel area, the shoulder is connected to the

area below the elbow section, just under the pinky toe, and the spine is connected to the inner

portion of the length of the foot, from the big toe to the heal.

Reflexology is just one of the number of therapies used by people to treat symptoms and

diseases at their core. This tradition promotes health with the belief that body functions and

processes are physically linked to certain pressure points. There are already previous studies

discussing the positive effects of reflexology and acupressure by F. Yeung et al. (2012), titled

“Acupressure, reflexology, and auricular acupressure for insomnia: A systematic review of

randomized controlled trials”

D. Massage

Another method used to relieve one’s pain is the “Massage”. As stated by the Doctors

Health Press (2017), regular massaging of the body and its target spots involves relaxing the

muscles and soft tissue to help with symptoms. A massage can be done by using the hands and
elbows in motions of tapping, kneading, stroking, and friction. Reflexology uses specific points

on the feet, hands, or ears to target a specific symptom.

Foot pressure points are thought to be the answer to resolving many symptoms, ailments,

and diseases by those who follow and practice reflexology. Under this therapy, the sections of

the feet are divided into correlating sections of the body. Depending on the symptom, each foot

has a pressure point that focuses on a specific part of the body. This is done as a treatment, or to

promote and maintain good health.

E. Electrotherapy

Another more overlooked method is electrotherapy. According to J. Revord (2017),

electrotherapy includes a range of treatments using electricity to reduce pain, improve

circulation, repair tissues, strengthen muscles, and promote bone growth, leading to

improvements in physical functioning. Electrotherapy units usually consist of a battery-powered

device connected by wires to adhesive electrode pads which are placed on the skin. The electrode

pads are sticky, so they will adhere to the skin. Once the electrodes are attached and the unit is

turned on, a mild electric current is sent to the skin via the electrode.

A number of newer electrotherapy devices bypass the wires, combining electrodes and

battery power into a single unit that can be worn inconspicuously on the back, arm, leg, or

elsewhere during work or other daily activities. A hand-held controller is used to adjust the level

of stimulation. While a large number of people find electrotherapy helpful, others do not. The

medical literature on electrotherapy's effectiveness has been mixed, and not all electrotherapy

treatments are supported by research.

 Electrotherapy devices range in cost from less than $30 to hundreds of dollars. Several of

the newer products are available over the counter, offering flexibility for those who can afford

them. Devices sold without a prescription are often not covered by insurance, but people with

health savings accounts may be able to apply funds from these accounts toward the cost. Trying

electrotherapy in a medical or physical therapy setting before purchasing a unit may be helpful,

since the therapy does not work for everyone. In some cases, a device can be returned if the

treatment is not helpful, so saving the receipt is advised. The Food and Drug Administration

(FDA) verifies that these medical devices are safe to use, but does not test whether the devices

are effective. Interestingly, the FDA process for approving a medical device is less rigorous than

the approval process for drugs, which requires the pharmaceutical company to show evidence of

a drug's effectiveness before introducing it to the market.

Electrotherapy is typically used in conjunction with other treatments, rather than by itself.

For people undergoing physical therapy, electrotherapy may alleviate pain sufficiently for an

individual to participate more actively in targeted exercises. Electrotherapy is among pain relief

options gaining attention as the potential risks and side effects of opioid (narcotic) medications

have become more apparent. Efforts to use electrical current to aid in healing go back to ancient

times. The modern era of electrotherapy in the United States began with treatment for anxiety

and depression, and the number of potential uses has grown since. Electrotherapy has been used

to address chronic pain and chronic fatigue in general, as well as: Diabetic nerve pain,

fibromyalgia, migraine headaches, wound healing, stimulating bone growth. Electrotherapy can

take many forms, but the most common type is transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, or

TENS.

F. Side effects of electrotherapy

 According to SpineHealth (2017), there are however still side effects to electrotherapy.

The most common side effect with electrotherapy is skin irritation or rash, caused by the

adhesives in the electrodes or the tape holding the electrodes in place. Overusing electrotherapy

may cause a burning feeling in the skin. Directions about the duration of therapy should be

followed closely to avoid a problem. Electrical stimulation should not be applied over

malignancies or areas with broken skin or an infection. Bruising, bleeding, or infections are

possible with the types of electrotherapy that penetrate the skin. Placing the pads over the heart

or over pacemaker leads could cause cardiac arrhythmia and placing them over a pregnant

woman's abdomen could cause fetal damage. In fact, people with pacemakers and pregnant

women are generally advised to avoid electrotherapy altogether.

G. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)

All electrotherapy devices have certain similarities, such as using battery power to apply

current to electrodes. The therapies vary in frequencies, waveforms, and effects, however. These

are some of the most commonly used kinds of electrotherapy. This study will be focusing more

on the Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), which is also the most widely used

type of electrotherapy.

From OmronHealthcare, TENS therapy typically uses electrodes on small, sticky pads

attached via wires to a battery-operated device. The electrodes are placed over the area in pain,

and current is sent through the electrodes, stimulating the sensory nerves and creating a tingling

sensation that reduces the feeling of pain. A hand-held controller allows the individual to select

from a range of options, such as high frequency or low frequency current as well as complex

patterns of stimulation. People are often introduced to TENS therapy during physical therapy or
in a chiropractor's office. This gives the individual the opportunity to see whether pain relief is

sufficient to consider purchasing a TENS unit for home use.

H. Electricity and the human body

According to A. Venosa (2016). The pulses of electricity sent out by TENS products

varies between 0 – 80 mA (milliampere). Some can reach 100 mA but is considered still as a

relatively small current. The current is not a detriment since the sensory nerves are so sensitive

and pain relief will still be achieved. This is because these nerves have low thresholds and will

respond to almost any electrical charge. These pulses usually occur 1-2 times per second.

Electricity can however, kill people. Throughout history, electricity has been used as a form of

torture and even as a method for execution. Electrocutions are often implemented using voltages

of 110 volts (110,000 mA), some instances going as low as 42 volts (42,000 mA).

I. Piezoelectric Shoes

There had already been numerous studies involving the harvesting of electricity from

piezoelectric shoes. A few examples of these are studies by M. Hanif et al. (2015) titled

“Scavenging Energy from Human Activities Using Piezoelectric Material” and Zhing and Z.

You (2014) titled “A Shoe-Embedded Piezoelectric Energy Harvester for Wearable Sensors”. R.

Tingley (2013), had already shown that it is possible to create a device that generates enough

electricity in order to charge a phone titled “Method and Application of Piezoelectric Energy

Harvesting as a Mobile Power Source”, so generating 80 milliamperes of electricity should be no

problem for piezoelectric shoes. Although, it has been shown that the generated electricity is

proportional to how much pressure is applied to the piezoelectric elements. The more pressure

there is, the more power is generated and vice versa. This study aims to use the electricity
harvested from the shoes to be used as a power source for the electricity that we will be running

through the person’s body.

J. Insole

According to LiveAbout, (2016). The insole is the inside part of the shoe that runs

underneath and supports the bottom of the foot. Insoles are also referred to as footbeds and inner

soles. They are usually easily removed. People often replace the original insoles with a pair of

specialty insoles they've purchased separately for a more comfortable and supportive fit. These

are called aftermarket insoles.

Specialty insoles can be added to make the shoe more comfortable, control odor and

moisture, and absorb shock. For health-related reasons, orthotic insoles can better position and

support the foot.

SYNTHESIS

The use of pressure points for relaxation is not a very unknown concept. There is already a vast

history of pressure points being used for health benefits, particularly “acupressure”, which is a

technique which involves the application of pressure on pressure points, and “reflexology”,

which is the study of pressure points located on the feet as a way for relaxation. Studies

conducted by F. Yeung et al. (2012), had already demonstrated the positive effects of both

acupressure and reflexology. Combining this with electricity, can eliminate the application of

pressure on pressure points and instead use electricity.

 There had already been numerous previous studies involving using piezoelectric shoes to

generate electricity for several different purposes. Studies conducted by M. Hanif et al. (2015), J.

Zhing and Z. You (2014) and R. Tingley (2013) are all very recent studies that make use of

piezoelectric shoes for generating electricity, and all of them have had successful results.

Tingley’s study in particular is called “Method and Application of Piezoelectric Energy

Harvesting as a Mobile Power Source”, his study has already proved that electricity generated

from piezoelectric shoes can be used as a power source for mobile phones. Our product only

requires at maximum 80 mha (milliamperes), which is much smaller compared to what is used to

charge a phone.
 REFERENCES

A Guide Understanding the TENS Machine Easily, Effortlessly, and Efficiently. (n.d.). Retrieved

from http://tensunithub.com/how-does-tens-unit-work/

Foot Pressure Points: 15 Reflexology Pressure Points to Boost Your Health. (2017, November

02). Retrieved from https://www.doctorshealthpress.com/general-health-articles/foot-

pressure-points/

Hanif, M. et al. (2015). Scavenging Energy from Human Activities Using Piezoelectric Material.

(2014, October 01). Retrieved from

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212017314001716

Haynes, A., & Instructables. (2017, September 28). Piezoelectric Shoes: Charge Your Mobile

Device by Walking! Retrieved from https://www.instructables.com/id/Piezoelectric-Shoes-

Charge-Your-Mobile-Device-by-W/

Peshin, A. (2018, December 17). How Much Current Can The Human Body Withstand?

Retrieved from https://www.scienceabc.com/humans/how-many-volts-amps-kill-you-

human.html

Revord, J. P. (n.d.). How Electrotherapy Works to Ease Pain. Retrieved from https://www.spine-

health.com/treatment/pain-management/how-electrotherapy-works-ease-pain

Sole (foot). (2019, January 24). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sole_(foot)

Staff, B. (2018, April 25). Human Body Pressure Points. Retrieved from

https://holisticzine.com/humanbody-pressure-points
Stimpert, D. (n.d.). Learn the History and Importance of Shoe Insoles. Retrieved from

https://www.liveabout.com/what-are-shoe-insoles-2987682

Tingley, R. (2013). Method and Application of Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting as a Mobile

Power Source (2013, May)

Top 10 Acupressure Points for Pain Relief & Other Problems. (2017, July 31). Retrieved from

https://www.top10homeremedies.com/news-facts/top-10-acupressure-points-pain-relief-

problems.html

Venosa, A. (2016, March 17). It's Shocking! How Much Electricity Can The Body Withstand?

Retrieved from https://www.medicaldaily.com/electric-shock-electrocution-electrical-

current-378242

Yeung F. et al. (2015). Acupressure, reflexology, and auricular acupressure for insomnia: A

systematic review of randomized controlled trials. (2012, July 25). Retrieved from

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1389945712002572

Zhing, J. & You, Z. (2014). A Shoe-Embedded Piezoelectric Energy Harvester for Wearable

Sensors (2014, July 11).

 III
METHODOLOGY

Materials:

 2 pcs. shoe insole

 12 pcs. piezoelectric generators

 100 mm wiring

 Soldering iron

 Soldering lead

 1 glue gun and 15 glue sticks

 Multimeter

 2 pcs foam tape

 2 pcs. AAA rechargeable battery

 2 pcs. Battery holder for 1 AAA battery

 10 pcs. rectifier

 Voltage regulator

Procedure:

1. Start off by gathering and preparing the materials needed for creating the piezoelectric

insole including the solder, soldering iron, 100 mm wiring, 2 shoe insole, 12 piezoelectric

generators, glue gun with glue sticks, multimeter, foam tape, 2 pcs. AAA rechargeable

battery, 2 pcs battery holder for 1 AAA battery, 10 pcs. rectifier and voltage regulator.
2. Place and attach the piezo element properly by using the glue gun on their respective

places below the insole, prepare your multimeter so that you can ensure that your piezo

elements work by setting the multimeter to AC volts and applying pressure to the piezo.

3. After you have attached all of the piezo to their appropriate spots, you can then properly

attach the foam tape onto the center of each piezo disc. These foams will act as pushers.

These foams will squeeze the piezo discs inwards while walking. Start soldering the

piezo elements into series.

4. After soldering the piezo elements into series, start building a bridge diode. A bridge

diode is required to filter and convert AC to DC. Solder the piezo series into the bridge

diode.

5. After soldering the piezo series into the bridge diode, start soldering the bridge diode to

the AAA battery holder. Put the AAA rechargeable battery inside the battery holder.

6. After soldering the bridge diode into the battery holder, start soldering the battery holder

to the voltage regulator. A voltage regulator is required in order to control and regulate

the voltage sent to the nodules.

7. Add a switch to turn on or turn off the device.

Schematic Diagram
METHODOLOGICAL FRAMEWORK
Gathering the materials

Create the insole

piezoelectric generator

Solder the piezo elements into

series, add foam tape

Create bridge diode

Solder the bridge diode into the

battery holder

Solder the battery

holder into the voltage
regulator

Solder the voltage regulator towards the nodules

to generate the needed electricity

Add a switch to turn

on or turn off the
device

Gathering of results
(output current)
Device Illustration