Abstract
Background: A variety of techniques for measuring lower limb loading exists, each with their own limitations. A new ambulatory biofeedback system was developed to overcome these limitations. In this study, we described the technical aspects and validated the accuracy of this system. Methods: A bench press was used to validate the system in the static situation. Ten healthy volunteers were measured by the new biofeedback system and a dual-belt instrumented treadmill to validate the system in the dynamic situation. Results: Bench press results showed that the sensor accurately measured peak loads up to 1000 N in the static situation. In the healthy volunteers, the load curves measured by the biofeedback system were similar to the treadmill. However, the peak loads and loading rates were lower in the biofeedback system in all participants at all speeds. Conclusions: Advanced sensor technologies used in the new biofeedback system resulted in highly accurate measurements in the static situation. The position of the sensor and the design of the biofeedback system should be optimized to improve results in the dynamic situation.
Highlights
Accurate measurements of lower limb loading is relevant in many fields, such as lower limb injuries, diabetes mellitus, stroke, footwear design, sport biomechanics, and injury prevention [1].Systems for monitoring lower limb loading have become a growing field of interest since the first introduction of such a system in 1974 [1,2]
Real-time feedback about lower limb loading is given by the wrist device via green and red light emitting diodes (LEDs)
Bench press testing has shown that the sensor accurately measured peak loads up to 1000 N with a sample frequency of 50 Hz in static situations at room temperature
Summary
Accurate measurements of lower limb loading is relevant in many fields, such as lower limb injuries, diabetes mellitus, stroke, footwear design, sport biomechanics, and injury prevention [1]. Systems for monitoring lower limb loading have become a growing field of interest since the first introduction of such a system in 1974 [1,2]. Current load monitoring systems can be classified in platforms and (ambulatory) biofeedback devices [2]. Force platforms are accurate and easy to use for load measurements in static and dynamic situations [2]. Force platforms placed inside a treadmill are even more beneficial as walking speed can be controlled. Loading can be controlled by the use of overhead body weight-support. A variety of techniques for measuring lower limb loading exists, each with their own limitations. We described the technical aspects and validated the accuracy of this system
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