Develop a Mechatronic Device for a Valid Assessment of Muscle Force Potential Using Isokinetic devices for clinical settings

Accurate assessment of muscle force potential related to the force-length-velocity relationship is crucial for clinical rehabilitation and sports performance optimization. However, conventional isokinetic dynamometers face challenges in accurately measuring joint torque, angle, and angular velocity due to factors like joint-dynamometer axis misalignment, gravitational forces, inertia effects, and co-activation during muscular contractions. These issues lead to erroneous assessments and interpretations of muscular capacities related to the force-length-velocity relationship and hence may result in false information about rehabilitation post injury. This PhD thesis presents the development of an automated mechatronic system that integrates computer vision and inertial measurement units (IMUs) to mitigate these limitations. The system utilizes a monocular camera for realtime marker displacement measurements and IMUs for joint angle tracking, providing enhanced accuracy in assessing muscle force potential. A custom Analog-to-Digital (A/D) converter box and software are also developed to correct errors caused by joint misalignment and dynamic joint movement during assessments. Experimental validation demonstrates the effectiveness of the system in improving the precision of moment-angle and moment-angular velocity relationships during testing using commercial isokinetic devices. The results indicate significant potential for application in clinical and sports science settings, enhancing rehabilitation, injury prevention, and performance evaluation.