| abstract |
A portable, self-learning adaptive weight bearing monitoring system for personal use during rehabilitation of orthopedic patients with fractures of the lower extremities. The system includes a flexible insole which is worn inside the shoe. The insole includes pressure and/or force sensor that measure the GRF force applied at key bearing points under the foot or other portions of the patient's lower extremity. The sensors are, in turn, connected through an A/D converter to a CPU that is connected so as to drive a stimulator that delivers closed-loop sensory stimulation (electrical, mechanical, and/or audio) as feedback to encourage the patient to load the optimal target weight for the limb for which the weight bearing force is being measured. Accurate real-time monitoring of the weight bearing during physical rehabilitation is also provided, and, through the use of closed-loop sensory stimulation, the patient is given continuous feedback for improving rehabilitation. |