POF Optical Force Plate

Improved uptake and adherence to balance and strength exercises has been demonstrated to significantly improve functionality and reduce falls by 40%, helping people to remain independent and maintain their quality of life. Achieving this reduces the burden of illnesses such as osteoarthritis on the healthcare system. We propose a portable, inexpensive balance and lower limb strength rehabilitation device for home use with remote clinical connectivity based on polymer optical fibre (POF) technology. The device will measure balance and adherence to rehabilitation exercise, and ensure that the exercises are carried out correctly and effectively – even in the patient’s own home. Measurement of pressure, using POF technology, enables simultaneous and independent monitoring of the ball and heel of each foot forming four quadrants. This economical system displays postural balance and sway analysis as a stabilogram, which combines pressures exerted on all four zones to formulate Centre of Pressure (COP) and Centre of Gravity.