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Design and Validation of an Intensity-Based POF Bend Sensor Applications in Measuring Three-Dimensional Trunk Motion

Brush, Ursula Jane

Abstract Details

2010, Master of Science, Ohio State University, Biomedical Engineering.

Many efforts have been put forth to better understand proper trunk posture while in motion. Such efforts include wearable devices such as the Lumbar Motion Monitor that track the three dimensional motion of the trunk over time.37 Often these devices are prohibitively expensive, heavy, and cumbersome for subjects attempting to move naturally for sports or biomechanics research. Recent developments in plastic optical fiber (POF) quality have made it possible to build an inexpensive bend sensor for applications in measuring trunk motion on the job.6 An intensity-based POF bend sensor is not only lightweight, noninvasive, and simple to build, but provides a signal with almost no processing requirements. The purpose of this thesis is to fabricate an inexpensive, wearable POF bend sensor suitable for dynamic motion and to test its use for recording the three-dimensional motion of the trunk.

The fabrication of a POF bend sensor vest is described as well as its validation with a Vicon passive optical motion capture system. Overall, the lateral and sagittal vest data correlated with the Vicon system to within ±3.8° of average curvature or 11.5% or less of the total range of motion for each dimension. While jogging RMS error increased to ±6.7° when compared to the Vicon system, the average range of motion captured from the vest correlated to within ±2.2° of the Vicon range of motion data. Preliminary work was also accomplished for twisting motion with an average percent RMS error of 13.2% for range of motion trials.

Considering the low-cost and non-invasive nature of the POF bend sensor, these results show promise for using this sensor in a variety of applications. These applications include feedback monitoring of motion for injury prevention or sports performance or for assessment of lifting techniques in the workplace. Future work would involve characterizing the reliability of the sensor over long periods of time as well as capturing all three dimensions of motion simultaneously.

Ajit Chaudhari, PhD (Advisor)
Steven Lavender, PhD (Committee Member)
171 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Brush, U. J. (2010). Design and Validation of an Intensity-Based POF Bend Sensor Applications in Measuring Three-Dimensional Trunk Motion [Master's thesis, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1269456459

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Brush, Ursula. Design and Validation of an Intensity-Based POF Bend Sensor Applications in Measuring Three-Dimensional Trunk Motion. 2010. Ohio State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1269456459.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Brush, Ursula. "Design and Validation of an Intensity-Based POF Bend Sensor Applications in Measuring Three-Dimensional Trunk Motion." Master's thesis, Ohio State University, 2010. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1269456459

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)