Sensing systems and methods for monitoring gait dynamics

• US 20060206214A1
• Filed: 05/08/2006
• Published: 09/14/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 02/02/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Arion Banki Hf
• Original Assignee: Arion Banki Hf
• Inventors: Clausen, Arinbjorn V., Oddsson, Magnus
• Granted Patent: US 7,794,505 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 623/24
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1038 Measuring plantar pressure during gait
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/112 Gait analysis
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/66 Feet; Ankle joints
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/70 electrical
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/76 Means for assembling, fitting or testing prostheses, e.g. for measuring or balancing, e.g. alignment means
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/5055 Reinforcing prostheses by embedding particles or fibres during moulding or dipping, e.g. carbon fibre composites
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/6614 Feet
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/6621 Toes
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/6642 Heels
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/6657 having a plate-like or strip-like spring element, e.g. an energy-storing cantilever spring keel
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/6671 C-shaped
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/6685 S-shaped
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/704 computer-controlled, e.g. robotic control
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/705 Electromagnetic data transfer for implantable prostheses A61F2250/0002
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/7635 for measuring force, pressure or mechanical tension
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/7645 for measuring torque, e.g. hinge or turning moment, moment of force
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/769 Displaying measured values
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/7695 Means for testing non-implantable prostheses for testing implantable prostheses A61F2240/008; for implanting artificial joints A61F2/468
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2005/0188 having pressure sensors

Abstract

Systems and method for monitoring gait dynamics are disclosed. The performance of an orthotic or prosthetic device or other device associated with a limb may be measured based on the resistance of a bending sensor. Data from the sensors is gathered or processed, particularly for purposes of alignment, safety, failure, usage, selection, and artificial proprioception. Information relating to the device may be outputted visually or auditorily to an individual.

Claims

1. A method of providing information regarding a prosthetic foot, comprising:

providing a prosthetic foot having at least one sensor associated therewith;

measuring with said sensor a force characteristic of said device while in use; and

outputting to an individual information auditorily or visually corresponding to the force characteristic.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein measuring with said sensor a force characteristic of said device while in use comprises measuring the bending of said sensor and determining a measurement of load corresponding to the measured bending.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the information is outputted through headphones.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the information is outputted through a PDA.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the information is outputted through a display on the device.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the information is outputted through a computer monitor.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising aligning the device based on the information outputted.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising analyzing the outputted information in order to select an appropriate device for the user.

9. A system for measuring performance of a prosthetic foot, comprising:

a prosthetic foot;

a sensor on the device configured to measure a force characteristic of the device; and

a user interface providing audio or visual information relating to the force characteristic measured.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein a sensor on the device configured to measure a force characteristic of the device comprises a sensor on the device capable of bending while the device is in use to determine whether the device is in a heel strike or a toe load position.

11. The system of claim 9, wherein the user interface is a display provided on the device.

12. The system of claim 9, wherein the user interface comprises headphones to be worn by the user.

13. The system of claim 9, wherein the user interface comprises a computer having a display.

14. The system of claim 9, wherein the user interface is connected to the device with a wire.

15. The system of claim 9, wherein the user interface is connected to the device via a wireless connection.

16. The system of claim 9, further comprising a memory that stores data gathered by the sensor.

17. The system of claim 16, further wherein the memory is provided on a device connectible to the device and further connectible to the user interface.

18. The system of claim 16, further wherein the memory is provided on the device.

19. A method of providing information to a user of a device associated with a limb, comprising:

providing a device associated with a limb having at least one sensor associated therewith;

measuring with said sensor a force characteristic of said device while in use; and

transmitting information relating to the force characteristic to the user of the device through variations in sound.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the information is transmitted through headphones worn by the user.

21. The method of claim 19, wherein the information is transmitted through a speaker located on the device.

22. The method of claim 19, further comprising varying the pitch or volume of the sound based on the measured load characteristic.

23. The method of claim 19, wherein the force characteristic measured comprises bending of the device indicative of loading on at least one of a toe and a heel.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the force characteristic is measured by a sensor comprising a resistive strip along a portion of the device to measure bending of the device.

25. The method of claim 19, wherein transmitting information comprises continuous transmission.

26. The method of claim 19, wherein transmitting information comprises at least one discrete transmission.

27. The method of claim 19, further comprising using the device for rehabilitation, wherein the rehabilitation comprises wearing the device over a period of time to train the user'"'"'s brain to associate perceived sounds with sensations of pressure caused by wearing the device.

28. A system for providing artificial proprioceptive feedback from a device associated with a limb through the use of sound, comprising:

a device associated with a limb;

a sensor on the device configured to measure a force characteristic of the device;

means for communicating sound corresponding to the force characteristic, wherein the sound provides artificial proprioception to a user of the device.