An ergonomic modular foot platform for isometric force/torque measurements in poststroke functional assessment: a pilot study

The main goal of this article is to present the design, technical development, and preliminary validation of an innovative mechatronic device for force/torque measurements taken from the human foot using pilot data. The device, formed by a mobile platform equipped with two six-axis force/torque sens...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of rehabilitation research and development 2012-01, Vol.49 (6), p.949-960
Main Authors: Mazzoleni, Stefano, Van Vaerenbergh, Jo, Stokes, Emma, Fazekas, Gábor, Dario, Paolo, Guglielmelli, Eugenio
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Activities of Daily Living
Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Biomechanical Phenomena
Biomechanics
Care and treatment
Case-Control Studies
Design
Diffusion of Innovation
Equipment Design
Ergonomics
Female
Foot
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Models, Biological
Patient outcomes
Physiological aspects
Pilot Projects
Rehabilitation
Reproducibility of Results
Sensitivity and Specificity
Sensors
Spinal cord injuries
Stroke
Stroke Rehabilitation
Studies
Torque
User-Computer Interface
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Summary:The main goal of this article is to present the design, technical development, and preliminary validation of an innovative mechatronic device for force/torque measurements taken from the human foot using pilot data. The device, formed by a mobile platform equipped with two six-axis force/torque sensors, was used to perform accurate quantitative measurements during isometric exercises, aimed at performing functional assessment tests in poststroke patients undergoing a rehabilitation treatment. Results from pilot data provide a validation of the device. A large clinical trial has been planned to test whether the platform can be used in the clinical practice. We suggest that measurements of ground reaction forces taken from the foot of poststroke patients during the initiation of activities of daily living tasks can provide information about their motor recovery and enlighten possible areas of application, ranging from isometric motor exercise in neurorehabilitation to foot-based human-machine interface.
ISSN:0748-7711
1938-1352
DOI:10.1682/JRRD.2011.03.0059