Flexible Sodium Alginate/Silk Triboelectric Sensor for Self-Powered Motion Monitoring in Traditional Physical Training of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Wearable self-powered sensors offer significant potential for real-time monitoring and behavioral assessment in personalized rehabilitation and neurodevelopmental interventions. In this work, a sodium alginate/silk (SA/silk) composite film–based triboelectric nanogenerator (SS-TENG) is developed for bio-mechanical energy harvesting and motion monitoring in traditional physical training programs for children with autism spectrum disorder. The SA/silk composite provides high mechanical flexibility and stable surface morphology, ensuring consistent triboelectric output during dynamic movements. The SS-TENG delivers a peak open-circuit voltage ( V OC ) of 195.3 V, short-circuit current ( I SC ) of 58.8 μA, and transferred charge ( Q SC ) of 174.5 nC, with a maximum power of 4.3 mW. Its output is highly sensitive to changes in force, frequency, and displacement, enabling precise detection of activity intensity. The device also demonstrates strong energy storage capability by effectively charging capacitors. When integrated into footwear, the SS-TENG enables battery-free, real-time monitoring of gait and movement. Notably, it distinguishes between neurotypical and autistic motor behaviors during walking, running, and jumping based on characteristic signal patterns. These results demonstrate the SS-TENG's potential as a wearable, self-powered platform for quantitative evaluation of sports-based interventions, supporting early diagnosis and personalized training in autism spectrum disorder therapy.