Apparatus and method for assessment and biofeedback training of leg

Abstract

Apparatus and methods for assessing and biofeedback training of movement coordination, strength, and speed skills critical to balance during a mobility task performed by a subject on a combination of surfaces, in particular stepping up and down, climbing and descending stairs, sitting and rising from a sitting position. The apparatus includes a force-sensing plate. The force-sensing plate measures the forces exerted on its sensing area, i.e., its top surface, and transmits output signals representative of the measured forces. A plurality of support surfaces is mounted in specified positions relative to the force-sensing plate's sensing area, in such a way that substantially all forces exerted by the subject onto the support surfaces is transmitted to the sensing area. The plurality of surfaces may form a step, stairs or a seat. A data processor accepts the output signals from the force-sensing plate and calculates quantities related to the positions and magnitudes of forces exerted by the subject on the support surfaces. In order to permit biofeedback training, a display for displaying position and magnitude quantities calculated and for displaying additional quantities related to performance goals is provided so that the subject can see these quantities while performing the mobility task.