Measuring Range of Motion and Knee Torque with a Brace

The Daniels and Worthingham muscle grading scale is a subjective technique used by health professionals to evaluate a patient’s muscle strength. This paper describes the development of a knee brace prototype that seeks to aid the therapist in grading the muscle strength of the knee joint by using artificial vision, mechatronics, and biomedical engineering. Currently, the prototype can be used to identify the knee range of motion and apply a variable resistance to gauge muscle function. Additionally, EMG measurement is used to determine muscle activation. The system can record a range of motion and muscle force output. A questionnaire is used to determine the subject’s comfort level during the test. All this information could be used by health professionals to plan treatment options.