Figure 4.1.1: Total weight on both crutches combined
The example above
depicts the recorded total weight on both crutches during a
three-point walking pattern. In the three-point walking pattern, the
patient uses the healthy leg normally. The crutches are only used to
support the injured leg. They are both used at the same time and
ideally with similar loads on them. This gives the patient three
points of contact during this part of the step, hence the name.
The wider section in the graph above shows a person just standing on
these three points.
To calculate the loads on the patients
injured foot, the load on both crutches is subtracted from the
patients weight. The patients weight is obtained via the Smartphone
App. Further analysis of the forces on the two crutches will allow
counting of individual steps and possible overloads, enabling the
Smartphone App to show a statistic during a full day.
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