Crutch Sensors
From: NASA Tech Briefs Insider - 08/26/2009

A forearm crutch which incorporates sensor technology to monitor whether it
is being used correctly has been developed by engineers at the University of
Southampton in the United Kingdom. The crutch is fitted with three
accelerometers that detect movement, and force sensors that measure the
weight being applied to a patient's leg and the position of his/her hand on
the grip. Data is transmitted wirelessly to a remote computer and visual
information is displayed on the crutch if the patient uses it incorrectly. 

"A growing number of people are in need of physiotherapy," said Professor
Neil White of the University of Southampton, "but reports from
physiotherapists indicate that people do not always use crutches in the
correct manner." At the moment, the crutch is suited for monitoring and
training patients in hospital environments, but the researchers plan to
develop a pair for use in patients' homes. 

Read the entire article at:
Intelligent crutch with sensors to monitor usage
http://www.soton.ac.uk/mediacentre/news/2009/aug/09_117.shtml

Photo caption:
A forearm crutch developed by engineers at the University of Southampton has
three accelerometers to detect movement, and force sensors that measure
applied weight and hand grip position.