Research on a physical activity tracking system based upon three-axis accelerometer for patients with leg ulcers

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Wearable Technology

Background:

• Venous leg ulcerations are prevalent in middle-aged and elderly populations.
• Physical activity significantly impacts lower limb blood circulation and ulcer healing.
• Effective exercise regimens can alleviate chronic venous ulcerations and reduce venous hypertension.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a physical activity tracking system for patients with venous leg ulcerations.
• To utilize a smart mobile phone for guiding rehabilitation exercises and analyzing patient data.
• To assess the system's efficacy in improving lower limb muscle function and accelerating ulcer healing.

Main Methods:

• A data acquisition platform was created using a three-axis accelerometer, microcontroller, and Bluetooth module.
• Acceleration data from lower limb movements were transmitted wirelessly to a smart mobile phone.
• The mobile application processed data using wavelet transform, denoising, and feature extraction for exercise evaluation.

Main Results:

• The system successfully acquired and processed lower limb movement data.
• It provided guidance for prescribed rehabilitation exercises.
• The system offered reasonable evaluation and judgment of exercise results, contributing to ulcer treatment.

Conclusions:

• The developed system aids in treating underlying venous reflux.
• It facilitates an environment conducive to skin regeneration over ulcers.
• The system accelerates the overall ulcer healing process.