Article

The main goal of this article is to present the design, technical development,
and preliminary validation of an innovative mechatronic device for force/torque
measurements taken from the human foot using pilot data. The device, formed by a
mobile platform equipped with two six-axis force/torque sensors, was used to
perform accurate quantitative measurements during isometric exercises, aimed at
performing functional assessment tests in poststroke patients undergoing a
rehabilitation treatment. Results from pilot data provide a validation of the
device. A large clinical trial has been planned to test whether the platform can
be used in the clinical practice. We suggest that measurements of ground reaction
forces taken from the foot of poststroke patients during the initiation of
activities of daily living tasks can provide information about their motor
recovery and enlighten possible areas of application, ranging from isometric
motor exercise in neurorehabilitation to foot-based human-machine interface.

Langue : ANGLAIS