Instrumented staircase for ground reaction measurement

Med Biol Eng Comput. 1999 Jul;37(4):526-9. doi: 10.1007/BF02513341.

Abstract

A staircase was developed to record ground reactions during stair climbing at different slopes (inclinations). Each step is instrumented with six strain-gauge-based force transducers which allow the measurement of three-dimensional ground reaction force and moment as well as the centre of pressure (COP) location. A specific sensor arrangement permits accurate recording, especially of the COP location. The overall design of the staircase and details of a single instrumented step are presented. Static and dynamic characteristics have been evaluated by different experimental procedures. Preliminary results of ground reaction forces are shown.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Biomedical Engineering / instrumentation
  • Humans
  • Locomotion / physiology*
  • Stress, Mechanical
  • Transducers, Pressure