Project Description: 

Our device, OrthoSeat(ic), is a balance and muscle strength assessment device meant for use by orthopedic surgeons, and potentially physical therapists, to assess the recovery progress of patients, with primary emphasis on elderly (65+) fall victims. Existing
assessments are entirely qualitative and non-standardized, and no real assessment exists specifically for analyzing the sitting-to-standing motion of a patient in recovery. With this data in hand, clinicians would be better equipped to diagnose and assess
the recovery of orthopedic surgery patients. The device consists of 12 high-resolution load cells; 4 in the seat cushion, 4 on the backrest, 1 on each armrest, and 1 under each foot. Data from the load cells are displayed in real time on a GUI on an attached
computer, with the ability to record trials and print results to a PDF file. The display shows both instantaneous readings and time plots for each sensor. Verification testing was performed on the load cells in isolation and on the prototype. Known forces
were applied to the load cells in isolation in order to characterize sensor behavior and determine the degree of accuracy that could be expected. The final prototype was tested in a similar manner by applying known weights to different areas of the chair,
and comparing the sensor readings to the known input. This was done to verify that the sensors behaved reasonably independently of one another and did not have their readings obfuscated by the cushions/interfaces of the device. The final device was publicly
disclosed at the Georgia Tech Capstone Design Expo on April 26th, 2022. Critical design inputs were determined with input from over 20 orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists, and academic researchers. The project was completed under supervision from the
SORG Orthopedic Research Group at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), with guidance primarily from Dr. Hamid Ghaednia.