Abstract
A low-cost, portable, unobtrusive and non-invasive system has been developed, capable of measuring human gait forces over a 16 how-period, and characterized and proven in limited trials. The device comprises a foam insole containing a coiled air-filled elastic tube whose internal pressure (which increases under load) is measured by a pressure gauge. This signal is recorded by a small data logger worn around the patient's waist, and subsequently downloaded to a personal computer for analysis. Typical results are presented. The system will initially be used with patients recovering from tibial and femoral shaft fractures to monitor their day-long load-bearing patterns. The results of this study will be used to investigate a causal relationship between load bearing and the extent and rate of osteoporosis, which will be measured separately. In the future, additional studies of gait, load bearing and general mobility of patients suffering from conditions such as arthritis and amputation will be undertaken.
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