Apparatus for the functional assessment of human activity

摘要

An apparatus for the functional assessment of human activity. The invention comprises four major components: the data acquisition unit, a body suit interface unit, a body suit having a plurality of mercury switches and a graphics oriented software package. The body suit is made from a non-conductive material, preferably a thermalactyl material with sensors permanently attached in position corresponding to the movements to be measured. The sensors have no direct electrical contact with the human wearer thus permitting the measurement period to extend to many hours. A portable data acquisition unit which is connected to the sensors enables the system to be used "on the job" to obtain mobility measurements under actual conditions. A graphic analysis means, connected to said data acquisition means, is provided for providing a visual display of the length of time that the human has spent in each of the pre-determined positions and the range of motion measured by the data acquisition unit. The system is especially useful in rehabilitation programs for quantifying the extent of mobility to select practical occupational alternatives.