Vibration

In this study, we present a novel method of noninvasively estimating mechanical load in the Achilles tendon using burst vibrations. These vibrations, produced by a small vibration motor on the skin superficial to the tendon, are sensed by a skin-mounted accelerometer, which measures the tendon’s response to burst excitation under varying tensile load. Characteristic changes in the burst response profile as a function of tendon tension are observed and used as inputs to an ML model, which yields accurate (R2 = 0.85) estimates of ankle loading during gait. Preliminary results of a fully wearable ankle load monitor are also presented. read more