Evaluation of motion platform embedded with force plate-instrumentedtreadmill

摘要

Motek Medical’s Computer Assisted RehabilitationEnvironment (CAREN)Extended system is a virtual environmentprimarily used in physical rehabilitation andbiomechanical research. This virtual environment consists of a180 degree projection screen used to display a virtual scene, a 12camera motion capture system, and a 6 degree of freedom actuatedplatform equipped with a dualbelt treadmill and two forceplates. The goal of this article was to investigate the performancecharacteristics associated with a “treadmillmotion platform” configurationand how system operation can affect the data collected.Platform static and dynamic characteristics were evaluated bytranslating or rotating the platform over progressively larger distancesand comparing input and measured values. Treadmill beltspeed was assessed with and without a person walking on the platformand at different orientations. Force plate measurements wereexamined when the treadmill was in operation, during ambulation,and over time to observe the baseline drift. Platform accelerationwas dependent on the distance travelled and system settings.Treadmill speed variability was greatest at faster speeds. Forceplate measurements were affected by platform and treadmill operation,contralateral impact forces during gait, and baseline drift.Knowledge of performance characteristics and their effect on outcomedata is crucial for effective design of CAREN research protocolsand rehabilitation scenarios.