Faculty Collaboration Database

A multichannel PWM telemetry system for kinematic gait analysis. Med Instrum 1987 Dec;21(6):304-13

Date

12/01/1987

Pubmed ID

3431495

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-0023481919 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   2 Citations

Abstract

A multichannel biotelemetry system using pulse-width modulation-frequency modulation (PWM-FM) is described in detail for laboratory construction. Its application in a kinematic gait-analysis system is demonstrated, employing minimally encumbering electrogoniometry and foot-contact switches. The triaxial electrogoniometers sense rotational joint motion, and four foot-switches under the sole of each foot provide information on placement and temporal contact. Signals from the multiple sensors are amplified, encoded by pulse-width modulation, and transmitted at an FM radio frequency of 107 MHz. Received data are decoded and then sampled by a minicomputer for analysis. Results from a comparative study of kinematic gait in five normal subjects and five children with cerebral palsy demonstrate system effectiveness in providing quantitative data and various intrasubject and intersubject gait differences. Factors reviewed in the analysis include swing and stance times; cadence; hip-joint motion in sagittal, coronal, and transverse planes; and sequence of foot placement.

Author List

Harris GF, Jeutter DC, Bergner BC, Matesi DV, Pelc NJ

Author

Gerald Harris PhD Director in the Orthopaedic Research Engineering Center (OREC) department at Marquette University

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Analog-Digital Conversion
Biomechanical Phenomena
Cerebral Palsy
Child
Electrodiagnosis
Equipment Design
Female
Gait
Humans
Male
Movement
Radio
Telemetry
Transducers