The Microstrain developed by Vermont Company is a self powered wireless sensors placed inside the replacement knee prosthetics. With a piezoelectric power generator the tiny sensors can deduce bending, twisting, compressive and shearing loads in real time. The wireless transmitter inside transmits the data outside of the body wirelessly and to a waiting data logger. The information is received by the researchers in their computer to analyze changes in gait, forces generated, status of rehabilitation, and general wear characteristics over time for the prosthesis.
As sports and sports injuries continue to change, and more dollars are associated, rehabilitation technologies like these will trickle down to sporting and other medical specific uses to benefit us all in new and interesting ways.
Microstrain
Wireless Sensors in Knee Aids Rehabilitation
Trend Themes
1. Wireless Sensors - Opportunity for developing wireless sensors for various applications, such as sports rehabilitation and medical monitoring.
2. Real-time Data Analysis - Innovation opportunity to create advanced data analysis tools to analyze and interpret real-time sensor data for rehabilitation purposes.
3. Self-powered Technology - Potential for developing self-powered sensors and devices to eliminate the need for external power sources, providing greater convenience and flexibility.
Industry Implications
1. Medical Devices - Disruptive innovation potential in the medical device industry to create new smart prosthetics and rehabilitation technologies.
2. Sports Technology - Opportunity for integrating wireless sensors into sports equipment to enhance performance tracking and injury prevention.
3. Data Analytics - Innovation potential in the data analytics industry to develop advanced algorithms and software for real-time analysis of sensor data.