On-Body UWB Channel Classification and Characterization for Various Physical Exercises

Abstract

This paper presents classification, characterization and modelling of ultra-wideband (UWB) on-body channel links while performing various physical exercises. The physical exercises mainly focus on range-of-motion exercises in which the upper and lower limb movement is dominant. Such exercises are suitable for various applications in medical domain such as rehabilitation, physiotherapy, in sports for training and general-well-being. Wrist and ankle regions have been chosen for the wearable antenna placement and three different antenna orientations have been considered with respect to location on the limb, inner, outer, and front region. The channel for various activities has been classified into line of sight (LOS) and non-line of sight (NLOS) links based on computation of Kurtosis. On-body statistical analysis and distance-dependent study is performed on two important channel parameters, path loss magnitude and rms delay spread considering the LOS and NLOS links. The channel variation is attributed to the location/orientation of the antenna, Tx-Rx distance, obstruction caused by the human body and different categories of activities.