Measurement of Force Myography in Level Gait and Stair Gait

Abstract

By measuring the activity of the leg muscles during walking, clinical information such as gait abnormality, muscle spasticity, and muscle weakness can be obtained. The surface electromyography (sEMG) method is widely used to measure changes in muscle activity. However, sEMG sensors must be attached to specific muscles and complex signal processing is required. In this paper, a band-type device using eight pneumatic-based sensors was fabricated. Eight sensors were equally spaced on an elastic fabric band. Two straps were made to measure changes in the muscles around the thigh and calf of one leg during walking. An insole-type pressure sensor system was used to accurately distinguish swing phase and stance phase. Measurements of muscle changes were tested when walking on a treadmill, climbing an eight-story stairway, and descending the stairs. The measured muscle change results can be used to classify gait modes and gait patterns, or predict gait intentions.