MECHATRONIC CYBER PHYSICAL MEDICAL DEVICE FOR MONITORING LOWER EXTREMITY REHABILITATION: PROSPECTS AND CHALLENGES
Keywords:
lower extremity rehabilitation, cyber-physical system, mechatronics, plantar pressure, dorsiflexion, plantarflexionAbstract
In this study a mechatronic cyber-physical medical device was designed with the objective of monitoring, aiding lower extremity rehabilitation and reports about the challenges encountered during the course of its development and evaluation. Device involved the integration of force-sensitive resistors (FSRs) embedded in an insole to measure plantar pressure distribution and an IMU-MPU6050 to monitor dorsiflexion and plantarflexion angles of the ankle. It is capable of providing real-time data to physiotherapists and assists in patient movement through direct current (DC) motors and Bowden cables. This paper highlights the anatomical and biomechanical parameters (range of motion (ROM) and load distribution) of the human foot and ankle, the limitations of conventional rehabilitation techniques (like lack of objective monitoring, cost and time constraints) and various innovative solutions like real time reporting of progress, historicization of patient’s records etc. offered through the device developed by our team. Prototype so developed demonstrates significant potential for improving lower extremity rehabilitation and encourages data driven physiotherapeutic treatments besides some limitations identified in sensor accuracy and movement constraints. For the commercial use of the prototype, it is suggested that extensive clinical trials should be conducted with enhanced device mobility and integration of high throughput advance sensors.
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