Crutch Load Monitoring System for an Adequate Rehabilitation

A crutch accessory that provides real-time feedback, assisting lower limb injury patients in finding the predetermined force to be applied, is developed. Improper usage of forearm crutches, due to the user lack of sense regarding the correct forces to be applied, is a frequent misuse. Proper forces must be applied, both on the injured leg and the crutch, throughout the rehabilitation process. The mitigation of this misuse reduces the required time for complete recovery. Nowadays, this problem is alleviated by instructing the patient on the predetermined forces through verbal instruction and the use of scales, but only once at the beginning. Using this accessory and a motion capture suit, it is observed, that the predetermined force and proper ankle angles are reached easier and more consistently, whereas without the accessory, it was more difficult and without cadence, also being less comfortable. This device promotes the possibility for faster and proper rehabilitation, which will be researched in future works.