Development of a knee orthotic to prevent falling due to buckling among elderlies

• Main Authors: Kian, Sek Tee, Toong, Hai Sam, Veeran, Yogeswaran, Abdul Rahim, Ruzairi, Mohd. Khialdin, Safinaz, Chin, Fhong Soon
• Format: Conference or Workshop Item
• Published: 2023
• Subjects: TK Electrical engineering. Electronics Nuclear engineering
• Online Access: http://eprints.utm.my/108255/; http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/5.0122600

The number of elderlies increases over the years and has triggered concerns on healthcare system. The concerns includes increasing cost on medication, healthcare facilities and welfares. Family members and the elderly could feel increasing stress as health condition of the elderly deteriorates including the capability to stay mobile and walk confidently. An elderly could fall due to knee buckling, a common syndrome of weakness due to aging. It may cause pain and injuries and hence fears to stay mobile. As a result, this would give a negative effect to mental and physical health. The aim of this project is to boost the confidence and willingness to regain walking and stay mobile. A mechatronic knee orthotic to prevent falling due to knee buckling is proposed. It would detect the moment of knee buckling and lock immediately a knee movement. As a result, the elderly could regain self-balance and avoid falling. The experience could boost the confidence to regain walking and stay mobile.