  Biosensors and wearable sensor systems with transmitting capabilities are
currently developed and used for the monitoring of health data, exercise
activities, and other performance data. Unlike conventional approaches, these
devices enable convenient, continuous, and/or unobtrusive monitoring of user
behavioral signals in real time. Examples include signals relative to body
motion, body temperature, blood flow parameters and a variety of biological or
biochemical markers and, as will be shown in this chapter here, individual grip
force data that directly translate into spatiotemporal grip force profiles for
different locations on the fingers and palm of the hand. Wearable sensor
systems combine innovation in sensor design, electronics, data transmission,
power management, and signal processing for statistical analysis, as will be
further shown herein. The first section of this chapter will provide an
overview of the current state of the art in grip force profiling to highlight
important functional aspects to be considered. In the next section, the
contribution of wearable sensor technology in the form of sensor glove systems
for the real-time monitoring of surgical task skill evolution in novices
training in a simulator task will be described on the basis of recent examples.
In the discussion, advantages and limitations will be weighed against each
other.
