Osmania University Researchers Build Wearable Digital Twin For Knee Joint Monitoring
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The data is analysed using OpenSim, a biomechanics software platform. Based on an individual's body measurements, researchers create a virtual model, or digital twin, that mirrors the person's physical characteristics.
Researchers of Osmania University are developing a technology that can estimate stress on knee joints in real time using wearable sensors.
The project is being developed by Adusumelli Manmayi and Thakur Vaibhav Singh from the Department of Biomedical Engineering under the guidance of Dr KECH Vidyasagar.
Named Digital Twin, the device is designed to identify the load exerted on knee joints during daily activities such as walking, running, and climbing stairs. According to the researchers, the technology could help in the prevention of osteoarthritis, ligament injuries, and sports-related injuries.
The system is built around five Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) sensors. One sensor is placed on the abdomen, while the other four are attached to the thighs and lower legs. These sensors continuously capture body movements, rotation, and changes in speed.
The collected data is used to reconstruct leg movements in a three-dimensional format, allowing detailed analysis of knee joint mechanics.
The data is analysed using OpenSim, a biomechanics software platform. Based on an individual's body measurements, researchers create a virtual model, or digital twin, that mirrors the person's physical characteristics.
Using inverse kinematics, the system calculates joint angles and movement patterns. An inverse dynamics approach is then used to estimate the forces acting on the knee joints.
Researchers said the technology can identify movements that place excessive stress on the knees. During normal walking, knee joints experience forces two to three times a person's body weight. The load increases to four to five times body weight while climbing stairs and can reach six to seven times body weight, or more, during running and jumping.
The developers said the project was initiated with a focus on the nearly 30 crore people worldwide affected by osteoarthritis. They added that the technology could eventually be integrated into smartwatch-like devices for continuous monitoring of knee health.
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