KneTex - Improvements to a textile-integrated sensor system for feedback-supported rehabilitation after ACL surgery

Abstract

After surgery of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), unpredictable effects can occur in the patient's gait patterns. Thus, patients often experience instability and uncontrolled buckling of the knee joint ("giving way"effect). The "giving way"effect is also difficult to measure due to the uncontrolled and rare occurrence. Within the KneTex project a smart textile-integrated sensor and actuator bandage system is developed to detect instability of the knee joint and actively support the rehabilitation process. Based on the sensor data the calculation of the knee angles as well as a recognition system is implemented. The bandage system can be controlled via a custom app which is developed as part of the project. This paper describes the recent developments and current status of the project. In addition, the results and steps for future work are described as well.