Polymer Optical Fiber-Based Integrated Instrumentation in a Robot-Assisted Rehabilitation Smart Environment: A Proof...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Rehabilitation Technology
• Sensor Systems

Background:

• Advancements in robotic rehabilitation necessitate sophisticated instrumentation.
• Polymer optical fiber (POF) sensors offer advantages like lightweight design, multiplexing, and immunity to electromagnetic fields.
• Existing rehabilitation systems can benefit from integrated, cost-effective sensing solutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and present an integrated polymer optical fiber (POF) intensity variation-based sensor system.
• To instrument various devices used in physical rehabilitation, including orthoses, exoskeletons, and treadmills.
• To demonstrate the feasibility of using multiplexed POF sensors for simultaneous assessment in rehabilitation protocols.

Main Methods:

• Development of a multiplexing technique for POF intensity variation-based sensors.
• Instrumentation of an orthosis for flexion/extension, a modular exoskeleton for gait assistance, and a treadmill with POF angle and force sensors.
• Integration of wearable POF sensors for gait analysis and physiological monitoring during rehabilitation exercises.

Main Results:

• Successful characterization of individual POF sensors.
• Feasibility demonstrated through implementation with three volunteers using different instrumented devices and wearable sensors.
• Validation of the integrated system for assessing rehabilitation movements and gait.

Conclusions:

• The proposed integrated POF sensor system is feasible for instrumenting diverse rehabilitation devices and protocols.
• This represents a novel, multiplexed, and integrated optical fiber sensing solution for simultaneous assessment in rehabilitation.
• The system offers a compact, fully integrated, and low-cost solution suitable for clinical environments.