A wearable comprehensive data sampling system for gait analysis

Abstract

Gait analysis is important for lower limb movement evaluation and rehabilitation research. More and more laboratories focus on it. Researchers need biomechanical data sampling equipment to obtain original signals for their analysis, sometimes even need kinds of signals for data fusion processing. But, the market supply of relative products is very limited. Moreover, one device acquires only one kind of signal, and needs computer as the control centre. So, there are two problems: moving range limitation, and synchronisation in data fusion processing. Most researchers plan experiments only indoors, and sometimes need to do secondary development for data fusion synchronisation. This article represents a compact-embedded system for lower limb biomechanical signals acquisition. Four kinds of signals are collected: foot plantar pressure, inertial measurement, laser distance sensing and electromyography. The embedded circuit is powered by a lithium battery. All the signals are synchronised by the embedded clock, and stored in secure digital memory card for offline analysis. It is convenient to plan experiments in all kinds of terrains indoors or outdoors. It is unique for its wearable, low power and comprehensive characters. Experimental results show that it is a useful tool for gait analysing research.