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14 pages, 2437 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reducing Slip Risk: A Feasibility Study of Gait Training with Semi-Real-Time Feedback of Foot–Floor Contact Angle

by Christina Zong-Hao Ma, Tian Bao, Christopher A. DiCesare, Isaac Harris, April Chambers, Peter B. Shull, Yong-Ping Zheng, Rakie Cham and Kathleen H. Sienko

Sensors 2022, 22(10), 3641; https://doi.org/10.3390/s22103641 - 10 May 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1831

Abstract

Slip-induced falls, responsible for approximately 40% of falls, can lead to severe injuries and in extreme cases, death. A large foot–floor contact angle (FFCA) during the heel-strike event has been associated with an increased risk of slip-induced falls. The goals of this feasibility [...] Read more.

Slip-induced falls, responsible for approximately 40% of falls, can lead to severe injuries and in extreme cases, death. A large foot–floor contact angle (FFCA) during the heel-strike event has been associated with an increased risk of slip-induced falls. The goals of this feasibility study were to design and assess a method for detecting FFCA and providing cues to the user to generate a compensatory FFCA response during a future heel-strike event. The long-term goal of this research is to train gait in order to minimize the likelihood of a slip event due to a large FFCA. An inertial measurement unit (IMU) was used to estimate FFCA, and a speaker provided auditory semi-real-time feedback when the FFCA was outside of a 10–20 degree target range following a heel-strike event. In addition to training with the FFCA feedback during a 10-min treadmill training period, the healthy young participants completed pre- and post-training overground walking trials. Results showed that training with FFCA feedback increased FFCA events within the target range by 16% for “high-risk” walkers (i.e., participants that walked with more than 75% of their FFCAs outside the target range) both during feedback treadmill trials and post-training overground trials without feedback, supporting the feasibility of training FFCA using a semi-real-time FFCA feedback system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feedback-Based Balance, Gait Assistive and Rehabilitation Aids)

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23 pages, 12407 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preliminary Study of Vibrotactile Feedback during Home-Based Balance and Coordination Training in Individuals with Cerebellar Ataxia

by Safa Jabri, David D. Bushart, Catherine Kinnaird, Tian Bao, Angel Bu, Vikram G. Shakkottai and Kathleen H. Sienko

Sensors 2022, 22(9), 3512; https://doi.org/10.3390/s22093512 - 5 May 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2903

Abstract

Intensive balance and coordination training is the mainstay of treatment for symptoms of impaired balance and mobility in individuals with hereditary cerebellar ataxia. In this study, we compared the effects of home-based balance and coordination training with and without vibrotactile SA for individuals [...] Read more.

Intensive balance and coordination training is the mainstay of treatment for symptoms of impaired balance and mobility in individuals with hereditary cerebellar ataxia. In this study, we compared the effects of home-based balance and coordination training with and without vibrotactile SA for individuals with hereditary cerebellar ataxia. Ten participants (five males, five females; 47 ± 12 years) with inherited forms of cerebellar ataxia were recruited to participate in a 12-week crossover study during which they completed two six-week blocks of balance and coordination training with and without vibrotactile SA. Participants were instructed to perform balance and coordination exercises five times per week using smartphone balance trainers that provided written, graphic, and video guidance and measured trunk sway. The pre-, per-, and post-training performance were assessed using the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA), SARA_posture&gait sub-scores, Dynamic Gait Index, modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction in Balance, Timed Up and Go performed with and without a cup of water, and multiple kinematic measures of postural sway measured with a single inertial measurement unit placed on the participants’ trunks. To explore the effects of training with and without vibrotactile SA, we compared the changes in performance achieved after participants completed each six-week block of training. Among the seven participants who completed both blocks of training, the change in the SARA scores and SARA_posture&gait sub-scores following training with vibrotactile SA was not significantly different from the change achieved following training without SA (

p > 0.05)

. However, a trend toward improved SARA scores and SARA_posture&gait sub-scores was observed following training with vibrotactile SA; compared to their pre-vibrotacile SA training scores, participants significantly improved their SARA scores (

m e a n = - 1.21, p = 0.02)

and SARA_posture&gait sub-scores (

m e a n = - 1.00, p = 0.01)

. In contrast, no significant changes in SARA scores and SARA_posture&gait sub-scores were observed following the six weeks of training without SA compared to their pre-training scores immediately preceding the training block without vibrotactile SA (

p > 0.05)

. No significant changes in trunk kinematic sway parameters were observed as a result of training (

p > 0.05)

. Based on the findings from this preliminary study, balance and coordination training improved the participants’ motor performance, as captured through the SARA. Vibrotactile SA may be a beneficial addition to training regimens for individuals with hereditary cerebellar ataxia, but additional research with larger sample sizes is needed to assess the significance and generalizability of these findings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feedback-Based Balance, Gait Assistive and Rehabilitation Aids)

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12 pages, 2172 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Retention Effects of Long-Term Balance Training with Vibrotactile Sensory Augmentation in Healthy Older Adults

by Tian Bao, Fatemeh Noohi, Catherine Kinnaird, Wendy J. Carender, Vincent J. Barone, Geeta Peethambaran, Susan L. Whitney, Rachael D. Seidler and Kathleen H. Sienko

Sensors 2022, 22(8), 3014; https://doi.org/10.3390/s22083014 - 14 Apr 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2619

Abstract

Vibrotactile sensory augmentation (SA) decreases postural sway during real-time use; however, limited studies have investigated the long-term effects of training with SA. This study assessed the retention effects of long-term balance training with and without vibrotactile SA among community-dwelling healthy older adults, and [...] Read more.

Vibrotactile sensory augmentation (SA) decreases postural sway during real-time use; however, limited studies have investigated the long-term effects of training with SA. This study assessed the retention effects of long-term balance training with and without vibrotactile SA among community-dwelling healthy older adults, and explored brain-related changes due to training with SA. Sixteen participants were randomly assigned to the experimental group (EG) or control group (CG), and trained in their homes for eight weeks using smart-phone balance trainers. The EG received vibrotactile SA. Balance performance was assessed before, and one week, one month, and six months after training. Functional MRI (fMRI) was recorded before and one week after training for four participants who received vestibular stimulation. Both groups demonstrated significant improvement of SOT composite and MiniBESTest scores, and increased vestibular reliance. Only the EG maintained a minimal detectable change of 8 points in SOT scores six months post-training and greater improvements than the CG in MiniBESTest scores one month post-training. The fMRI results revealed a shift from activation in the vestibular cortex pre-training to increased activity in the brainstem and cerebellum post-training. These findings showed that additional balance improvements were maintained for up to six months post-training with vibrotactile SA for community-dwelling healthy older adults. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feedback-Based Balance, Gait Assistive and Rehabilitation Aids)

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14 pages, 1270 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Pilot Study Comparing the Effects of Concurrent and Terminal Visual Feedback on Standing Balance in Older Adults

by Jamie Ferris, Vincent J. Barone, Noel C. Perkins and Kathleen H. Sienko

Sensors 2022, 22(8), 2826; https://doi.org/10.3390/s22082826 - 7 Apr 2022

Viewed by 2034

Abstract

While balance training with concurrent feedback has been shown to improve real-time balance in older adults, terminal feedback may simplify implementation outside of clinical settings. Similarly, visual feedback is particularly well-suited for use outside the clinic as it is relatively easily understood and [...] Read more.

While balance training with concurrent feedback has been shown to improve real-time balance in older adults, terminal feedback may simplify implementation outside of clinical settings. Similarly, visual feedback is particularly well-suited for use outside the clinic as it is relatively easily understood and accessible via ubiquitous mobile devices (e.g., smartphones) with little additional peripheral equipment. However, differences in the effects of concurrent and terminal visual feedback are not yet well understood. We therefore performed a pilot study that directly compared the immediate effects of concurrent and terminal visual feedback as a first and necessary step in the future design of visual feedback technologies for balance training outside of clinical settings. Nineteen healthy older adults participated in a single balance training session during which they performed 38 trials of a single balance exercise including trials with concurrent, terminal or no visual feedback. Analysis of trunk angular position and velocity features recorded via an inertial measurement unit indicated that sway angles decreased with training regardless of feedback type, but sway velocity increased with concurrent feedback and decreased with terminal feedback. After removing feedback, training with either feedback type yielded decreased mean velocity, but only terminal feedback yielded decreased sway angles. Consequently, this study suggests that, for older adults, terminal visual feedback may be a viable alternative to concurrent visual feedback for short duration single-task balance training. Terminal feedback provided using ubiquitous devices should be further explored for balance training outside of clinical settings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feedback-Based Balance, Gait Assistive and Rehabilitation Aids)

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17 pages, 4180 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study on the Control Method of Knee Joint Human–Exoskeleton Interactive System

by Zhipeng Wang, Chifu Yang, Zhen Ding, Tao Yang, Hao Guo, Feng Jiang and Bowen Tian

Sensors 2022, 22(3), 1040; https://doi.org/10.3390/s22031040 - 28 Jan 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2760

Abstract

The advantages of exoskeletons based on the Bowden cable include being lightweight and flexible, thus being convenient in assisting humans. However, the performance of an exoskeleton is limited by the structure and human–exoskeleton interaction, which is analyzed from the established mathematical model of [...] Read more.

The advantages of exoskeletons based on the Bowden cable include being lightweight and flexible, thus being convenient in assisting humans. However, the performance of an exoskeleton is limited by the structure and human–exoskeleton interaction, which is analyzed from the established mathematical model of the human–exoskeleton system. In order to improve the auxiliary accuracy, corresponding control methods are proposed. The disturbance observer is designed to compensate for disturbances and parameter perturbations in the inner loop. The human–exoskeleton interaction feedforward model is integrated into the admittance control, which overcomes the limitation of the force loading caused by the friction of the Bowden cable and the change in stiffness of the human–exoskeleton interaction. Furthermore, an angle prediction method using the encoder as the signal source is designed to reduce the disturbance of the force loading caused by human motion. Finally, the effectiveness of the design method proposed in this paper is verified through experiments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feedback-Based Balance, Gait Assistive and Rehabilitation Aids)

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18 pages, 3913 KiB

Open AccessArticle

VestAid: A Tablet-Based Technology for Objective Exercise Monitoring in Vestibular Rehabilitation

by Pedram Hovareshti, Shamus Roeder, Lisa S. Holt, Pan Gao, Lemin Xiao, Chad Zalkin, Victoria Ou, Devendra Tolani, Brooke N. Klatt and Susan L. Whitney

Sensors 2021, 21(24), 8388; https://doi.org/10.3390/s21248388 - 15 Dec 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4337

Abstract

(1) Background: Current vestibular rehabilitation therapy is an exercise-based approach aimed at promoting gaze stability, habituating symptoms, and improving balance and walking in patients with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). A major component of these exercises is the adaptation of the vestibulo-ocular reflex [...] Read more.

(1) Background: Current vestibular rehabilitation therapy is an exercise-based approach aimed at promoting gaze stability, habituating symptoms, and improving balance and walking in patients with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). A major component of these exercises is the adaptation of the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) and habituation training. Due to acute injury, the gain of the VOR is usually reduced, resulting in eye movement velocity that is less than head movement velocity. There is a higher chance for the success of the therapy program if the patient (a) understands the exercise procedure, (b) performs the exercises according to the prescribed regimen, (c) reports pre- and post-exercise symptoms and perceived difficulty, and (d) gets feedback on performance. (2) Methods: The development and laboratory evaluation of VestAid, an innovative, low-cost, tablet-based system that helps patients perform vestibulo-ocular reflex (VORx1) exercises correctly at home without therapist guidance, is presented. VestAid uses the tablet camera to automatically assess patient performance and compliance with exercise parameters. The system provides physical therapists (PTs) with near real-time, objective (head speed and gaze fixation compliance), and subjective (perceived difficulty and pre- and post- exercise symptoms) metrics through a web-based provider portal. The accuracy of the head-angle and eye-gaze compliance metrics was evaluated. The accuracy of estimated head angles calculated via VestAid’s low-complexity algorithms was compared to the state-of-the-art deep-learning method on a public dataset. The accuracy of VestAid’s metric evaluation during the VORx1 exercises was assessed in comparison to the output of an inertial measurement unit (IMU)-based system. (3) Results: There are low mean interpeak time errors (consistently below 0.1 s) across all speeds of the VORx1 exercise, as well as consistently matching numbers of identified peaks. The spatial comparison (after adjusting for the lag measured with the cross-correlation) between the VestAid and IMU-based systems also shows good matching, as shown by the low mean absolute head angle error, in which for all speeds, the mean is less than 10 degrees. (4) Conclusions: The accuracy of the system is sufficient to provide therapists with a good assessment of patient performance. While the VestAid system’s head pose evaluation model may not be perfectly accurate as a result of the occluded facial features when the head moves further towards an extreme in pitch and yaw, the head speed measurements and associated compliance measures are sufficiently accurate for monitoring patients’ VORx1 exercise compliance and general performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feedback-Based Balance, Gait Assistive and Rehabilitation Aids)

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19 pages, 1391 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Concurrent and Terminal Visual Feedback on Ankle Co-Contraction in Older Adults during Standing Balance

by Rachel V. Vitali, Vincent J. Barone, Jamie Ferris, Leia A. Stirling and Kathleen H. Sienko

Sensors 2021, 21(21), 7305; https://doi.org/10.3390/s21217305 - 2 Nov 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2769

Abstract

This preliminary investigation studied the effects of concurrent and terminal visual feedback during a standing balance task on ankle co-contraction, which was accomplished via surface electromyography of an agonist–antagonist muscle pair (medial gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior muscles). Two complementary mathematical definitions of co-contraction [...] Read more.

This preliminary investigation studied the effects of concurrent and terminal visual feedback during a standing balance task on ankle co-contraction, which was accomplished via surface electromyography of an agonist–antagonist muscle pair (medial gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior muscles). Two complementary mathematical definitions of co-contraction indices captured changes in ankle muscle recruitment and modulation strategies. Nineteen healthy older adults received both feedback types in a randomized order. Following an analysis of co-contraction index reliability as a function of surface electromyography normalization technique, linear mixed-effects regression analyses revealed participants learned or utilized different ankle co-contraction recruitment (i.e., relative muscle pair activity magnitudes) and modulation (i.e., absolute muscle pair activity magnitudes) strategies depending on feedback type and following the cessation of feedback use. Ankle co-contraction modulation increased when concurrent feedback was used and significantly decreased when concurrent feedback was removed. Ankle co-contraction recruitment and modulation did not significantly change when terminal feedback was used or when it was removed. Neither ankle co-contraction recruitment nor modulation was significantly different when concurrent feedback was used compared to when terminal feedback was used. The changes in ankle co-contraction recruitment and modulation were significantly different when concurrent feedback was removed as compared to when terminal feedback was removed. Finally, this study found a significant interaction between feedback type, removal of feedback, and order of use of feedback type. These results have implications for the design of balance training technologies using visual feedback. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feedback-Based Balance, Gait Assistive and Rehabilitation Aids)

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11 pages, 5971 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Study of Biofeedback Gait Training in Cerebral Stroke Patients in the Early Recovery Phase with Stance Phase as Target Parameter

by Dmitry V. Skvortsov, Sergey N. Kaurkin and Galina E. Ivanova

Sensors 2021, 21(21), 7217; https://doi.org/10.3390/s21217217 - 29 Oct 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2723

Abstract

Walking function disorders are typical for patients after cerebral stroke. Biofeedback technology (BFB) is currently considered effective and promising for training walking function, including in patients after cerebral stroke. Most studies recognize that BFB training is a promising tool for improving walking function; [...] Read more.

Walking function disorders are typical for patients after cerebral stroke. Biofeedback technology (BFB) is currently considered effective and promising for training walking function, including in patients after cerebral stroke. Most studies recognize that BFB training is a promising tool for improving walking function; however, the data on the use of highly selective walking parameters for BFB training are very limited. The aim of our study was to investigate the feasibility of using BFB training targeting one of the basic parameters of gait symmetry—stance phase duration—in cerebral stroke patients in the early recovery period. The study included 20 hemiparetic patients in the early recovery period after the first hemispheric ischemic stroke. The control group included 20 healthy subjects. The BFB training and biomechanical analysis of walking (before and after all BFB sessions) were done using an inertial system. The mean number of BFB sessions was nine (from 8 to 11) during the three weeks in clinic. There was not a single negative response to BFB training among the study patients, either during the sessions or later. The spatiotemporal parameters of walking showed the whole syndrome complex of slow walking and typical asymmetry of temporal walking parameters, and did not change significantly as a result of the study therapy. The changes were more significant for the functioning of hip and knee joints. The contralateral hip amplitude returned to the normal range. For the knee joint, the amplitude of the first flexion increased and the value of the amplitude of hyperextension decreased in the middle of the stance phase. Concerning muscle function, the observed significant decrease in the function of m. Gastrocnemius and the hamstring muscles on the paretic side remained without change at the end of the treatment course. We obtained positive dynamics of the biomechanical parameters of walking in patients after the BFB training course. The feasibility and efficacy of their use for targeted correction need further research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feedback-Based Balance, Gait Assistive and Rehabilitation Aids)

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22 pages, 5807 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Joint Constraints Based Dynamic Calibration of IMU Position on Lower Limbs in IMU-MoCap

by Qian Hu, Lingfeng Liu, Feng Mei and Changxuan Yang

Sensors 2021, 21(21), 7161; https://doi.org/10.3390/s21217161 - 28 Oct 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2052

Abstract

The position calibration of inertial measurement units (IMUs) is an important part of human motion capture, especially in wearable systems. In realistic applications, static calibration is quickly invalid during the motions for IMUs loosely mounted on the body. In this paper, we propose [...] Read more.

The position calibration of inertial measurement units (IMUs) is an important part of human motion capture, especially in wearable systems. In realistic applications, static calibration is quickly invalid during the motions for IMUs loosely mounted on the body. In this paper, we propose a dynamic position calibration algorithm for IMUs mounted on the waist, upper leg, lower leg, and foot based on joint constraints. To solve the problem of IMUs’ position displacement, we introduce the Gauss–Newton (GN) method based on the Jacobian matrix, the dynamic weight particle swarm optimization (DWPSO), and the grey wolf optimizer (GWO) to realize IMUs’ position calibration. Furthermore, we establish the coordinate system of human lower limbs to estimate each joint angle and use the fusion algorithm in the field of quaternions to improve the attitude calibration performance of a single IMU. The performances of these three algorithms are analyzed and evaluated by gait tests on the human body and comparisons with a high-precision IMU-Mocap reference device. The simulation results show that the three algorithms can effectively calibrate the IMU’s position for human lower limbs. Additionally, when the degree of freedom (DOF) of a certain dimension is limited, the performances of the DWPSO and GWO may be better than GN, when the joint changes sufficiently, the performances of the three are close. The results confirm that the dynamic calibration algorithm based on joint constraints can effectively reduce the position offset errors of IMUs on upper or lower limbs in practical applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feedback-Based Balance, Gait Assistive and Rehabilitation Aids)

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17 pages, 4743 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Head Trajectory Diagrams for Gait Symmetry Analysis Using a Single Head-Worn IMU

by Tong-Hun Hwang and Alfred O. Effenberg

Sensors 2021, 21(19), 6621; https://doi.org/10.3390/s21196621 - 5 Oct 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2518

Abstract

Gait symmetry analysis plays an important role in the diagnosis and rehabilitation of pathological gait. Recently, wearable devices have also been developed for simple gait analysis solutions. However, measurement in clinical settings can differ from gait in daily life, and simple wearable devices [...] Read more.

Gait symmetry analysis plays an important role in the diagnosis and rehabilitation of pathological gait. Recently, wearable devices have also been developed for simple gait analysis solutions. However, measurement in clinical settings can differ from gait in daily life, and simple wearable devices are restricted to a few parameters, providing one-sided trajectories of one arm or leg. Therefore, head-worn devices with sensors (e.g., earbuds) should be considered to analyze gait symmetry because the head sways towards the left and right side depending on steps. This paper proposed new visualization methods using head-worn sensors, able to facilitate gait symmetry analysis outside as well as inside. Data were collected with an inertial measurement unit (IMU) based motion capture system when twelve participants walked on the 400-m running track. From head trajectories on the transverse and frontal plane, three types of diagrams were displayed, and five concepts of parameters were measured for gait symmetry analysis. The mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of step counting was lower than 0.65%, representing the reliability of measured parameters. The methods enable also left-right step recognition (MAPE ≤ 2.13%). This study can support maintenance and relearning of a balanced healthy gait in various areas with simple and easy-to-use devices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feedback-Based Balance, Gait Assistive and Rehabilitation Aids)

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22 pages, 4618 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Brake-Based Overground Gait Rehabilitation Device for Altering Propulsion Impulse Symmetry

by Siyao Hu, Krista Fjeld, Erin V. Vasudevan and Katherine J. Kuchenbecker

Sensors 2021, 21(19), 6617; https://doi.org/10.3390/s21196617 - 5 Oct 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1997

Abstract

This paper introduces a new device for gait rehabilitation, the gait propulsion trainer (GPT). It consists of two main components (a stationary device and a wearable system) that work together to apply periodic stance-phase resistance as the user walks overground. The stationary device [...] Read more.

This paper introduces a new device for gait rehabilitation, the gait propulsion trainer (GPT). It consists of two main components (a stationary device and a wearable system) that work together to apply periodic stance-phase resistance as the user walks overground. The stationary device provides the resistance forces via a cable that tethers the user’s pelvis to a magnetic-particle brake. The wearable system detects gait events via foot switches to control the timing of the resistance forces. A hardware verification test confirmed that the GPT functions as intended. We conducted a pilot study in which one healthy adult and one stroke survivor walked with the GPT with increasing resistance levels. As hypothesized, the periodic stance-phase resistance caused the healthy participant to walk asymmetrically, with greatly reduced propulsion impulse symmetry; as GPT resistance increased, the walking speed also decreased, and the propulsion impulse appeared to increase for both legs. In contrast, the stroke participant responded to GPT resistance by walking faster and more symmetrically in terms of both propulsion impulse and step length. Thus, this paper shows promising results of short-term training with the GPT, and more studies will follow to explore its long-term effects on hemiparetic gait. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feedback-Based Balance, Gait Assistive and Rehabilitation Aids)

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15 pages, 2936 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A System for Neuromotor Based Rehabilitation on a Passive Robotic Aid

by Marco Righi, Massimo Magrini, Cristina Dolciotti and Davide Moroni

Sensors 2021, 21(9), 3130; https://doi.org/10.3390/s21093130 - 30 Apr 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3012

Abstract

In the aging world population, the occurrence of neuromotor deficits arising from stroke and other medical conditions is expected to grow, demanding the design of new and more effective approaches to rehabilitation. In this paper, we show how the combination of robotic technologies [...] Read more.

In the aging world population, the occurrence of neuromotor deficits arising from stroke and other medical conditions is expected to grow, demanding the design of new and more effective approaches to rehabilitation. In this paper, we show how the combination of robotic technologies with progress in exergaming methodologies may lead to the creation of new rehabilitation protocols favoring motor re-learning. To this end, we introduce the Track-Hold system for neuromotor rehabilitation based on a passive robotic arm and integrated software. A special configuration of weights on the robotic arm fully balances the weight of the patients’ arm, allowing them to perform a purely neurological task, overcoming the muscular effort of similar free-hand exercises. A set of adaptive and configurable exercises are proposed to patients through a large display and a graphical user interface. Common everyday tasks are also proposed for patients to learn again the associated actions in a persistent way, thus improving life independence. A data analysis module was also designed to monitor progress and compute indices of post-stroke neurological damage and Parkinsonian-type disorders. The system was tested in the lab and in a pilot project involving five patients in the post-stroke chronic stage with partial paralysis of the right upper limb, showing encouraging preliminary results. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feedback-Based Balance, Gait Assistive and Rehabilitation Aids)

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Review

Jump to: Research

37 pages, 2402 KiB

Open AccessReview

Evidence for the Effectiveness of Feedback from Wearable Inertial Sensors during Work-Related Activities: A Scoping Review

by Roger Lee, Carole James, Suzi Edwards, Geoff Skinner, Jodi L. Young and Suzanne J. Snodgrass

Sensors 2021, 21(19), 6377; https://doi.org/10.3390/s21196377 - 24 Sep 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3143

Abstract

Background: Wearable inertial sensor technology (WIST) systems provide feedback, aiming to modify aberrant postures and movements. The literature on the effects of feedback from WIST during work or work-related activities has not been previously summarised. This review examines the effectiveness of feedback on [...] Read more.

Background: Wearable inertial sensor technology (WIST) systems provide feedback, aiming to modify aberrant postures and movements. The literature on the effects of feedback from WIST during work or work-related activities has not been previously summarised. This review examines the effectiveness of feedback on upper body kinematics during work or work-related activities, along with the wearability and a quantification of the kinematics of the related device. Methods: The Cinahl, Cochrane, Embase, Medline, Scopus, Sportdiscus and Google Scholar databases were searched, including reports from January 2005 to July 2021. The included studies were summarised descriptively and the evidence was assessed. Results: Fourteen included studies demonstrated a ‘limited’ level of evidence supporting posture and/or movement behaviour improvements using WIST feedback, with no improvements in pain. One study assessed wearability and another two investigated comfort. Studies used tri-axial accelerometers or IMU integration (n = 5 studies). Visual and/or vibrotactile feedback was mostly used. Most studies had a risk of bias, lacked detail for methodological reproducibility and displayed inconsistent reporting of sensor technology, with validation provided only in one study. Thus, we have proposed a minimum ‘Technology and Design Checklist’ for reporting. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that WIST may improve posture, though not pain; however, the quality of the studies limits the strength of this conclusion. Wearability evaluations are needed for the translation of WIST outcomes. Minimum reporting standards for WIST should be followed to ensure methodological reproducibility. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feedback-Based Balance, Gait Assistive and Rehabilitation Aids)

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