Embedded FBG-Based Sensor for Joint Movement Monitoring

In this work, we report fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) embedded in silicone tubes for joint movement monitoring. We integrate the sensors on finger guard bands and worn on a mechanical finger setup for finger joint bending monitoring. We demonstrate the shift of the central wavelength of the FBG of about 0.45 nm for 80° bending, with a sensitivity of 5.6±0.5pm/°. By integrating the sensor on the finger, arm, and knee with guard bands in sinuous-shape, we monitor the bending of the joint, with the ability to distinguish the joint motion. The proposed sensor has a potential for application in Stroke rehabilitation.