FIBER-OPTIC GONIOMETER FOR MEASURING JOINT ANGLES

Measuring joint angles is an important task for therapists to monitor and evaluate a patient's recovery progress. A fiber-optic goniometer with modified fiber tips was developed and employed to measure joint angles. The effects of the fiber tip's angle in various off-center positions of the detector on the output beam pattern were investigated. The proper combination of these variables increased the measuring range of joint angles with asymmetric light signals from the modified fiber tips. With inverse mathematical models and LabVIEW computer program, the joint angle was obtained and displayed in real time. The reference joint angle correlated well with the calculated output angle over the test range. This method can be used not only in hospitals and laboratories, but also at home, with a simple and cost-effective optical sensor. This method can be applied in the field of rehabilitation and sports science.

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