Researcher(s)
- Luka Batula, Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware
Faculty Mentor(s)
- Jill Higginson, Neuromuscular Biomechanics Lab, University of Delaware
- Sagar Doshi, Center for Composite Materials, University of Delaware
Abstract
One of the most common types of injuries, especially in athletes, is Achilles tendon related. A study found that, of those who have had tendon-related injuries, 75% were sports-related. The objective of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of using garment-based wearable sensors integrated into a compression sock to monitor the flexion of the Achilles tendon. The fabrication of the sensor was achieved by depositing carbon nanocomposite coating on commercially available knit fabric using a patented, aqueous electrophoretic deposition method. From there a series of tests were performed to review sensor characteristics and performance, such as hysteresis and stress relaxation of the coated and uncoated fabric at different widths and strain rates. The tests on the fabric showed that there was a slight bias in the data collection in both repetitive uses and extended usage of the sock that is important to be considered for the final product. After that, the sensor was implemented into the sock, and data was collected while walking. Data collection consisted of walking in a straight line, both as normal, and with the user wearing a boot to restrict their movement. Plotting the change in normalized electrical resistance change over time and comparing the results between the two tests does in fact show a pattern and difference,caused by the limited movement of the ankle in the boot. While further testing is required to understand the data collection from the process, it is a goal to innovate on the sock design to try and make it as uniform and effective as possible for future testing.