What is Eurobench?
Eurobench is a European academic project that aims to develop a system dedicated to biomedical applications.
The study of human movements and kinematics requires knowledge of the weights and inertia of each part of the body.
Our contribution consists in the development of a measurement system that autonomously estimates these parameters. The system consists of a hospital bed with a low deformation mattress, a ToF camera directed downwards above it and a computer which collects and process the data.
In collaboration with the University of Brescia we met at the Mechanical Engineering department to acquire data for testing and validation.
Volume and Inertia Estimation
Two days of work at the laboratories of the Mechanical Engineering department of the University of Brescia allowed to acquire several subjects.
The acquisition device requires the subject to wear the least amount of clothing possible. This need was explained to each individual volunteer before the acquisition as he/she entered in the laboratory. Moreover, the procedure for acquiring and processing personal data was meticulously clarified, remembering to the subject that she/he could withdraw at any time.
Once consent was obtained, the patient prepared in a locker room wearing only underwear. He was then asked to lie down on the bed and remain still with his arms and legs slightly apart.
Each subject was acquired three times. First in the phase of complete exhalation, then in the phase of maximum inhalation, finally with normal breathing.This process is used to compare volumetric measurements taking into account the volume of air present in the lungs.
After the acquisition in bed, the subject was measured with the traditional tailoring system, collecting the distances and the main anatomical circumferences.
(In compliance with the covid 19 regulations, every room and used surfaces were cleaned and sanitized, the use of mask and gloves was compulsory).
Gait analysis using sensorized crutches
Following the acquisition for the volumetric and inertial estimation, the subject went to another laboratory to carry out the analysis of walking with crutches.
Here the volunteer was prepared by attaching the reflective markers. These markers are necessary for the identification of the main joints and for the kinematic reconstruction of the movement.
A pair of crutches were provided to the user and the walking method to be performed was explained. Both the crutches and the platform on which the subject would have walked were sensorized. In this way it was possible to collect the pressure and acceleration data necessary to analyze the movement.
