A Smart Knee Brace to Assist Seniors in Sit-to-Stand Tasks

Measuring of electrical stimulation intensity during use
Measuring of electrical stimulation intensity during use
Testing of neuroelectrical stimulator
Testing of neuroelectrical stimulator
Final prototype
Final prototype

Project Background

Muscle weakness can affect people of all ages. For many seniors, prolonged sitting or bed rest can lead to weakness in the quadriceps muscles, making it harder for them to perform basic daily tasks, such as sit-to-stand (STS) movements. Our project aims to assist frail older persons in STS functions by designing a smart knee brace to support them in performing such tasks. The user’s movement is recognised by an accelerometer, which will then activate the connected neuromuscular electrical stimulator to contract the quadriceps muscles. The contraction is done through electrodes embedded within the knee brace at a location specific to the quadriceps muscles.

The Team

Faculty
  1. Assoc Prof Benjamin Soon, Health & Social Sciences
Students
  1. Poh Zhi Hao
  2. Hafiz Ismail