초록
Objective: The purpose of this study was to develop a stretchable joint motion sensor that is based on silver nano-particle. Through this sensor, it can be utilized as an equipment for rehabilitation and analyze joint movement. Method: In this study, precursor solution was created, after that, nozel printer (Musashi, Image master 350PC) was used to print on a circuit board. Sourcemeter (Keithley, Keithley-2450) was used in order to evaluate changes of electric resistance as the sensor stretches. In addition, the sensor was attached on center of a knee joint to 2 male adults, and performed knee flexion-extension in order to evaluate accurate analysis; 3 infrared cameras (100 Hz, Motion Master 100, Visol Inc., Korea) were also used to analyze three dimensional movement. Descriptive statistics were suggested for comparing each accuracy of measurement variables of joint motions with the sensor and 3D motions. Results: The change of electric resistance of the sensor indicated multiple of 30 times from initial value in 50% of elongation and the value of electric resistance were distinctively classified by following 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% of elongation respectively. Through using the sensor and 3D camera to analyze movement variable, it showed a resistance of 99% in a knee joint extension, whereas, it indicated about 80% in flexion phase. Conclusion: In this research, the stretchable joint motion sensor was created based on silver nanoparticle that has high conductivity. If the sensor stretches, the distance between nanoparticles recede which lead gradual disconnection of an electric circuit and to have increment of electric resistance. Through evaluating angle of knee joints with observation of sensor's electric resistance, it showed similar a result and propensity from 3D motion analysis. However, unstable electric resistance of the stretchable sensor was observed when it stretches to maximum length, or went through numerous joint movements. Therefore, the sensor need complement that requires stability when it comes to measuring motions in any condition.