Instrumented Foot Pedal

TECHNOLOGYDESCRIPTION:ACL injuries require much time and attention for properrecovery. For many people, they are unable to correct asymmetries completely throughoutrehabilitation because clinicians are unable to determine how much a patient isusing the injured leg versus the uninjured leg. The invention allows patientsor clinicians to replace the pedals of a stationary bike with the censored,instrumental technology. The proposed technology will allow clinicians tomeasure differences in force, power, and electromyography between the legsduring cycling with real-time feedback. STAGEOF DEVELOPMENT: Prototype has been developed.APPLICATIONS: Thistechnology has been designed and optimized to correct asymmetry caused byanterior cruciate ligament, or ACL injuries, and may be used in both clinicaland private settings.PROBLEMS ADDRESSED: ACLinjuries are one of the most common types of knee injuries within the UnitedStates as nearly 200,000 people are affected annually. Following this injury,clinicians attempt to correct asymmetries in strength, range of motion, andmuscle activation for maximal recovery. Currently, there are no physicalrehabilitation bikes that can measure particular muscle activity differences bycomparing the two legs and document the improvements. Faculty at the Universityof Delaware have developed and application for stationary bikes that accuratelyand efficiently provide direct feedback upon measuring electromyography (i.e.electric activity in a muscle). The technology allows for the patient to directlytrack their improvements without the need for one on one attention from theclinician.

United States

Patent Pending

USA