Fiber Optics Embedded in Elastic Band for Monitoring Leg Movements

This work investigated the feasibility of fiber optic sensors embedded in clothing for real-time monitoring of leg movements. Two lightweight plastic optical fibers were sewed into elastic bands and attached firmly around the knees to detect joint bending by measuring changes in light transmission. Experimental testing showed that the optical fibers can reliably distinguish different postures and movements, including squatting, sitting, and walking. The results demonstrate that garment-integrated optical sensing offers a comfortable, minimally-invasive approach that can be applied for applications such as patient monitoring and personalized rehabilitation feedback. © 2026 The Authors.