Piezoelectric-based monitoring of restless legs syndrome (RLS)

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a very common disease that affects millions of people each year; however, there is not an effective way to monitor it. By creating a device that is strapped to an individual’s leg, RLS can be easily monitored. This device measures the amount of vibration a person gives off while uncontrollably shaking their leg. A piezoelectric cantilever beam was selected to monitor these vibrations and a protective housing was designed to comfortably fit around a human leg. The device was fabricated using 3D printing techniques and was tested by machine to ensure its operation. A variable speed Scotch Yoke apparatus with a displacement of 10 mm which oscillates at different rates was used for testing the device. By wiring the developed sensor, and a reference accelerometer to a Data Acquisition Card, comparisons were made between the true movement and the measured voltage of the sensor. The piezoelectric cantilever beam was then strapped on a volunteer to attempt to replicate the results. The experimental results showed a consistent frequency output with the reference one and can be used as a reference for monitoring restless legs syndrome.