IntelliFoot. Gait Detection and Analysis on Carbon Fibre Prosthetic Foot Using Embedded Real-Time Bend Sensor Technology

Abstract

Össur is one of the world leading manufacturer of prosthetic legs. A Certified Prosthetics & Orthotics (CPO) has to do gait analysis on the amputee patient to adjust and find the prosthesis that is suitable.Few of the problems CPO's and amputees face are the following: The time it takes to install a new prosthesis. The patient has to go at the clinic where the necessary equipment is during gait analysis. Not enough data for reimbursement claim in the US.The IntelliFoot prototype is a monitoring device, mounted inside the foot cover of a prosthesis. The IntelliFoot will be used to do real-time gait detection and analysis on carbon fibre prosthetic foot, using embedded real-time bend sensor technology. It will store cumulative gait statistics in embedded memory and relay the data, either in real-time or on demand, to the CPO wirelessly through a low powered Bluetooth connection.The results are a working prototype of the IntelliFoot. It can successfully detect and save necessary data and statistics for a comprehensive gait report.