Novel Strain Sensor in Weft-Knitted Textile for Triggering of Functional Electrical Stimulation

Bahareh Abtahi; Mareen Warncke; Hans Winger; Carmen Sachse; Eric Häntzsche; Andreas Nocke; Chokri Cherif

doi:10.3390/engproc2023030013

Engineering Proceedings (Jan 2023)

Novel Strain Sensor in Weft-Knitted Textile for Triggering of Functional Electrical Stimulation

Bahareh Abtahi,
Mareen Warncke,
Hans Winger,
Carmen Sachse,
Eric Häntzsche,
Andreas Nocke,
Chokri Cherif

Affiliations

Bahareh Abtahi: Institute for Textile Machinery and High Performance Material Technology (ITM), Faculty for Mechanical Science and Engineering, Technische Universität Dresden, 01069 Dresden, Germany
Mareen Warncke: Institute for Textile Machinery and High Performance Material Technology (ITM), Faculty for Mechanical Science and Engineering, Technische Universität Dresden, 01069 Dresden, Germany
Hans Winger: Institute for Textile Machinery and High Performance Material Technology (ITM), Faculty for Mechanical Science and Engineering, Technische Universität Dresden, 01069 Dresden, Germany
Carmen Sachse: Institute for Textile Machinery and High Performance Material Technology (ITM), Faculty for Mechanical Science and Engineering, Technische Universität Dresden, 01069 Dresden, Germany
Eric Häntzsche: Institute for Textile Machinery and High Performance Material Technology (ITM), Faculty for Mechanical Science and Engineering, Technische Universität Dresden, 01069 Dresden, Germany
Andreas Nocke: Institute for Textile Machinery and High Performance Material Technology (ITM), Faculty for Mechanical Science and Engineering, Technische Universität Dresden, 01069 Dresden, Germany
Chokri Cherif: Institute for Textile Machinery and High Performance Material Technology (ITM), Faculty for Mechanical Science and Engineering, Technische Universität Dresden, 01069 Dresden, Germany

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/engproc2023030013
Journal volume & issue: Vol. 30, no. 1
p. 13

Abstract

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Functional electrical stimulation (FES) aims to improve the gait pattern in case of foot drop of people suffering chronic diseases, e.g., multiple sclerosis. The fibular nerve can be stimulated by electrical impulses sent through electrodes on the skin, which leads to the contraction of the corresponding muscles. One major disadvantage of commercial FES devices is their bulky design. The paper presents an alternative approach of weft-knitted strain sensors that are directly integrated into the knee area of a functional legging suitable for daily use. To initiate electrical impulses for FES at the right time, the textile strain sensors are used as soft triggers.

Published in Engineering Proceedings

ISSN: 2673-4591 (Online)
Publisher: MDPI AG
Country of publisher: Switzerland
LCC subjects: Technology: Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General): Engineering machinery, tools, and implements
Website: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/engproc

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