An autonomous control and monitoring system for lower limb orthosis: the gait project case.

A wearable control and monitoring system has been developed for a novel active orthotic device. The development addresses the need of an autonomous tool for gait analysis during normal use of the orthotic device. The system has two basic components: the base unit and the ambulatory Uniu. The units communicate by means of a Bluetooth link. In order to test the system, a knee-ankle-foot orthosis has been instrumented for gait control and monitoring of biomechanical and comfort data during daily use by patients with muscular deficiencies. This paper describes the system developed, outlines its performance and presents measurements recorded while performing different activities.