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Monitoring Walker Assistive Devices: A Novel Approach Based on Load Cells and Optical Distance Measurements

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Detalhes bibliográficos
Resumo:This paper presents a measurement system intended to monitor the usage of walker assistive devices. The goal is to guide the user in the correct use of the device in order to prevent risky situations and maximize comfort. Two risk indicators are defined: one related to force unbalance and the other related to motor incoordination. Force unbalance is measured by load cells attached to the walker legs, while motor incoordination is estimated by synchronizing force measurements with distance data provided by an optical sensor. The measurement system is equipped with a Bluetooth link that enables local supervision on a computer or tablet. Calibration and experimental results are included in the paper.
Autores principais:Viegas, Vítor
Outros Autores:Pereira, José Miguel Costa Dias; Postolache, Octavian; Girão, Pedro Silva
Assunto:force measurements distance measurement walker assistive device gait analysis usage monitoring
Ano:2018
País:Portugal
Tipo de documento:artigo
Tipo de acesso:acesso aberto
Instituição associada:Instituto Politécnico de Setúbal
Idioma:inglês
Origem:Instituto Politécnico de Setúbal
Descrição
Resumo:This paper presents a measurement system intended to monitor the usage of walker assistive devices. The goal is to guide the user in the correct use of the device in order to prevent risky situations and maximize comfort. Two risk indicators are defined: one related to force unbalance and the other related to motor incoordination. Force unbalance is measured by load cells attached to the walker legs, while motor incoordination is estimated by synchronizing force measurements with distance data provided by an optical sensor. The measurement system is equipped with a Bluetooth link that enables local supervision on a computer or tablet. Calibration and experimental results are included in the paper.