Smart Carbon Fiber Transtibial Prosthesis Based on Embedded Fiber Bragg Gratings

This paper presents the utilization of optical fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) embedded into a carbon fiber reinforced polymer transtibial prosthesis to evaluate the user's gait, and its own performance. Static mechanical tests were performed to characterize the sensors. Vertically and horizontally positioned FBGs within the structure have been used for load and strain force evaluation during real-time experiments with a candidate at different speeds on a treadmill. For simplicity, one non-amputee candidate performed the experiments using a mechanical adaptation. Distinctive patterns of response of the FBGs located at different points within the prosthetic structure enabled the differentiation between slow and fast motion gait cycle and the force distribution during the tread. This optical instrumentation contributes to the development of a new tool for the evaluation of prosthesis design and amputee patients rehabilitation and to the assessment of the performance of athletes during training or competition.