Search Results (414)

The convergence of flexible electronics and miniaturized ultrasound transducers has accelerated the development of wearable ultrasound devices, offering innovative solutions for continuous, non-invasive physiological monitoring and disease diagnosis. This review systematically examines the recent progress in the field, focusing on three key aspects: physical principles, device design, and clinical applications. From the perspective of physical principles, we provide an in-depth analysis of the fundamental theories underlying ultrasound imaging, including acoustic wave propagation in biological tissues, interface reflection mechanisms, and Doppler effects. In terms of device design, we compare technical approaches for rigid and flexible ultrasound transducers, with particular emphasis on innovative designs for flexible transducers. The key developments discussed include optimization of piezoelectric materials, the fabrication of stretchable electrodes, and advances in flexible encapsulation materials. Regarding clinical applications, we categorize the use cases by anatomical region and illustrate their diagnostic value through representative examples, demonstrating their utility in disease detection, health monitoring, and sports medicine. Finally, we identify critical challenges such as signal stability, coupling material compatibility, and long-term wearability, while outlining future directions including AI-assisted diagnosis and multifunctional integration. This review aims to provide a comprehensive reference for both fundamental research and clinical translation of wearable ultrasound technologies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Hip-level amputees face ambulatory challenges due to the lack of a lower limb and prosthetic hip power. Some hip-level amputees restore mobility by using a prosthesis with hip, knee, and ankle joints. Powered prosthetic joints contain an actuator that provides external flexion-extension moments to assist with movement. Powered knee and powered ankle-foot units are on the market, but no viable powered hip unit is commercially available. This research details the development of a novel powered four-bar prosthetic hip joint that can be integrated into a full-leg prosthesis. Methods: The hip joint design consisted of a four-bar linkage with a harmonic drive DC motor placed in the inferior link and an additional linkage to transfer torque from the motor to the hip center of rotation. Link lengths were determined through engineering optimization. Device strength was demonstrated with force and finite element analysis and with ISO 15032:2000 A100 static compression tests. Walking tests with a wearable hip-knee-ankle-foot prosthesis simulator, containing the novel powered hip, were conducted with three able-bodied participants. Each participant walked back and forth on a level 10 m walkway. Custom hardware and software captured joint angles. Spatiotemporal parameters were determined from video clips processed in the Kinovea software (ver. 0.9.5). Results: The powered hip passed all force and finite element checks and ISO 15032:2000 A100 static compression tests. The participants, weighing 96 ± 2 kg, achieved steady gait at 0.45 ± 0.11 m/s with the powered hip. Participant kinematic gait profiles resembled those seen in transfemoral amputee gait. Some gait asymmetries occurred between the sound and prosthetic legs. No signs of mechanical failure were seen. Most design requirements were met. Areas for powered hip improvement include hip flexion range, mechanical advantage at high hip flexion, and device mass. Conclusions: The novel powered four-bar hip provides safe level-ground walking with a full-leg prosthesis simulator and is viable for future testing with hip-level amputees. Full article

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) remain a critical occupational health issue for nursing personnel worldwide, resulting from physically demanding tasks such as patient handling and prolonged working hours. These injuries not only compromise nursing staff’s health but also impair their performance, productivity, and overall well-being. This review analyzes the current state of assistive technologies aimed at preventing MSDs in nursing staff, highlighting their effectiveness, implementation challenges, and potential benefits. A systematic selection of the scientific literature from major databases including Web of Science, Scopus, ScienceDirect, PubMed, Taylor & Francis, and ProQuest was conducted, complemented by open-access patent records. The screening process, involving two independent reviewers, achieved moderate agreement (Cohen’s Kappa = 0.418). The findings reveal that the most affected anatomical areas include the back, shoulders, and knees. Technological interventions are classified into three main categories: physical assistance devices, digital monitoring tools, and training programs. These integrated approaches offer promising avenues to enhance occupational safety, reduce injury rates, and improve nurses’ quality of life and professional performance. Full article

The effectiveness of upper extremity rehabilitation in post-stroke patients significantly depends on patient motivation and adherence to therapeutic regimens. Rehabilitation-assistive technologies, including wearable sensors, have been adopted to facilitate intensive and repetitive exercises aimed at reducing hand dysfunction and enhancing quality of life. Building upon the previously introduced Przypominajka (reminder) system reported in this journal—a wearable sensory glove coupled with a mobile application providing exercise guidance and monitoring—we conducted a feasibility study to evaluate its effectiveness in supporting upper limb rehabilitation. Sixteen post-stroke patients with hemiparesis were equally randomized into experimental and control groups. Both groups performed upper limb exercises for 45 min daily for over two weeks. The experimental group utilized the sensor-equipped glove and tablet-based exercises, whereas the control group followed printed exercise instructions. Clinical improvements were measured using the Fugl–Meyer Assessment–Upper Extremity (FMA-UE), Functional Independence Measure (FIM), and MORE scales. The experimental group demonstrated a minimal clinically important difference (MCID) on the FMA-UE and reported greater overall improvement than the control group. This study confirms the feasibility and potential clinical benefit of supplementing post-stroke rehabilitation with sensor-augmented exercises provided by the previously described Przypominajka device. Full article

Human gait analysis is essential for clinical evaluation and rehabilitation monitoring, particularly in post-stroke individuals, where joint kinematics provide valuable insights into motor recovery. While optical motion capture (OMC) is the gold standard, its high cost and restricted use in laboratory settings limit its accessibility. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of REEV SENSE, a novel magnetometer-free inertial measurement unit (IMU), in capturing knee and ankle joint angles during overground walking in post-stroke individuals using assistive devices. Twenty participants with chronic stroke walked along a 10-m walkway with their usual assistive device (cane or walker), while joint kinematics were simultaneously recorded using OMC and IMUs. Agreement between the systems was assessed using the mean absolute error, root mean square error, 95% confidence intervals, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Knee angles measured with the IMUs showed a strong correlation with the OMC (r > 0.9) and low errors (MAE < 5°), consistent with clinical acceptability. Ankle angle accuracy was lower for participants using walkers, while knee measurements remained stable regardless of the assistive device. These findings demonstrate that REEV SENSE IMUs provide clinically relevant kinematic data and support their use as a practical wearable tool for gait analysis in real-world or remote clinical settings. Full article

In response to the stress commonly experienced by young people in high-pressure daily environments, a music-based stress-relief interactive system was developed by integrating music-assisted care with emotion-sensing technology. The design principles of the system were established through a literature review on stress, music listening, emotion detection, and interactive devices. A prototype was created accordingly and refined through interviews with four experts and eleven users participating in a preliminary experiment. The system is grounded in a four-stage guided imagery and music framework, along with a static activity model focused on relaxation-based stress management. Emotion detection was achieved using a wearable EEG device (NeuroSky’s MindWave Mobile device) and a two-dimensional emotion model, and the emotional states were translated into visual representations using seasonal and weather metaphors. A formal experiment involving 52 users was conducted. The system was evaluated, and its effectiveness confirmed, through user interviews and questionnaire surveys, with statistical analysis conducted using SPSS 26 and AMOS 23. The findings reveal that: (1) integrating emotion sensing with music listening creates a novel and engaging interactive experience; (2) emotional states can be effectively visualized using nature-inspired metaphors, enhancing user immersion and understanding; and (3) the combination of music listening, guided imagery, and real-time emotional feedback successfully promotes emotional relaxation and increases self-awareness. Full article

The COVID-19 pandemic catalyzed the rapid adoption of remote patient monitoring (RPM) technologies such as telemedicine and wearable devices (WDs), significantly transforming healthcare delivery. Telemedicine made virtual consultations possible, reducing in-person visits and infection risks, particularly for the management of chronic diseases. Wearable devices enabled the real-time continuous monitoring of health that assisted in condition prediction and management, such as for COVID-19. This narrative review addresses these transformations by uniquely synthesizing findings from 13 diverse studies (sourced from PubMed and Google Scholar, 2020–2024) to analyze the parallel evolution of telemedicine and WDs as interconnected RPM components. It highlights the pandemic’s dual impact, as follows: accelerating RPM innovation and adoption while simultaneously unmasking systemic challenges such as inequities in access and a need for robust integration approaches; while telemedicine usage soared during the pandemic, consumption post-pandemic, as indicated by the reviewed studies, suggests continued barriers to adoption among older adults. Likewise, wearable devices demonstrated significant potential in early disease detection and long-term health management, with promising applications extending beyond COVID-19, including long COVID conditions. Addressing the identified challenges is crucial for healthcare providers and systems to fully embrace these technologies and this would improve efficiency and patient outcomes. Full article

MXenes, a class of two-dimensional transition metal carbides and nitrides, emerged as a promising material for next-generation energy storage and corresponding applications due to their unique combination of high electrical conductivity, tunable surface chemistry, and lamellar structure. This review highlights recent advances in MXene-based composites, focusing on their integration into electrode architectures for the development of supercapacitors, batteries, and multifunctional devices, including triboelectric nanogenerators. It serves as a comprehensive overview of the multifunctional capabilities of MXene-based composites and their role in advancing efficient, flexible, and sustainable energy and sensing technologies, outlining how MXene-based systems are poised to redefine multifunctional energy platforms. Electrochemical performance optimization strategies are discussed by considering surface functionalization, interlayer engineering, scalable synthesis techniques, and integration with advanced electrolytes, with particular attention paid to the development of hybrid supercapacitors, triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), and wearable sensors. These applications are favored due to improved charge storage capability, mechanical properties, and the multifunctionality of MXenes. Despite these aspects, challenges related to long-term stability, sustainable large-scale production, and environmental degradation must still be addressed. Emerging approaches such as three-dimensional self-assembly and artificial intelligence-assisted design are identified as key challenges for overcoming these issues. Full article

Although intracranial hypertension (ICH) has traditionally been framed as simply a numerical escalation of intracranial pressure (ICP) and usually dealt with in its clinical form and not in terms of its complex underlying pathophysiology, an emerging body of evidence indicates that ICH is not simply an elevated ICP process but a complex process of molecular dysregulation, glymphatic dysfunction, and neurovascular insufficiency. Our aim in this paper is to provide a complete synthesis of all the new thinking that is occurring in this space, primarily on the intersection of glymphatic dysfunction and cerebral vein physiology. The aspiration is to review how glymphatic dysfunction, largely secondary to aquaporin-4 (AQP4) dysfunction, can lead to delayed cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) clearance and thus the accumulation of extravascular fluid resulting in elevated ICP. A range of other factors such as oxidative stress, endothelin-1, and neuroinflammation seem to significantly impair cerebral autoregulation, making ICH challenging to manage. Combining recent studies, we intend to provide a revised conceptualization of ICH that recognizes the nuance and complexity of ICH that is understated by previous models. We wish to also address novel diagnostics aimed at better capturing the dynamic nature of ICH. Recent advances in non-invasive imaging (i.e., 4D flow MRI and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI; DCE-MRI) allow for better visualization of dynamic changes to the glymphatic and cerebral blood flow (CBF) system. Finally, wearable ICP monitors and AI-assisted diagnostics will create opportunities for these continuous and real-time assessments, especially in limited resource settings. Our goal is to provide examples of opportunities that exist that might augment early recognition and improve personalized care while ensuring we realize practical challenges and limitations. We also consider what may be therapeutically possible now and in the future. Therapeutic opportunities discussed include CRISPR-based gene editing aimed at restoring AQP4 function, nano-robotics aimed at drug targeting, and bioelectronic devices purposed for ICP modulation. Certainly, these proposals are innovative in nature but will require ethically responsible confirmation of long-term safety and availability, particularly to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where the burdens of secondary ICH remain preeminent. Throughout the review, we will be restrained to a balanced pursuit of innovative ideas and ethical considerations to attain global health equity. It is not our intent to provide unequivocal answers, but instead to encourage informed discussions at the intersections of research, clinical practice, and the public health field. We hope this review may stimulate further discussion about ICH and highlight research opportunities to conduct translational research in modern neuroscience with real, approachable, and patient-centered care. Full article

Our study explored the accuracy of Fitbit recorded step count during the use of an assistive device (two-wheeled walker and standard cane) at various body positions (wrists, hips, and ankles). Participants (n = 11) ambulated an obstacle course (50 m total, including turns and a step up/down) a total of three times (two-wheeled walker, standard cane, and a deviceless control trial). Fitbit generated step counts (at the wrists, hips, and ankles) were then compared to the individual’s “actual” step count captured through video analysis. During the cane trial and the deviceless trial, all positions were significantly correlated (r = 0.764 to 0.984; p < 0.006) with the actual step count. However, increased variability (demonstrated by increased limits of agreement) was observed when the Fitbit was worn on the wrist (compared to the hips or ankles). During the walker trial, the step count was significantly correlated to the actual step count at the ankle and hip positions (r = 0.669 to 0.888; p < 0.017) with an average error of 1.5%, while it was not statistically correlated at the wrist with a 31.2% average error. Our study suggests that Fitbits are a good predictor of actual step count, with the caveat that the location of the Fitbit should be considered if an assistive device (e.g., two-wheeled rolling walker and single-point cane) is being used. Full article

The development of wearable robotic exoskeletons has seen rapid progress in recent years, driven by the growing need for technologies that support motor rehabilitation, assist individuals with physical impairments, and enhance human capabilities in both clinical and everyday contexts. Within this field, elbow exoskeletons have emerged as a key focus due to the joint’s essential role in upper limb functionality and its frequent impairment following neurological injuries such as stroke. With increasing research activity, there is a strong interest in evaluating these systems not only from a technical perspective but also in terms of user comfort, adaptability, and clinical relevance. This review investigates recent advancements in elbow exoskeleton technology, evaluating their effectiveness and identifying key design challenges and limitations. Devices are categorized based on three main criteria: mechanical structure (rigid, soft, or hybrid), actuation method, and sensing technologies. Additionally, the review classifies systems by their supported range of motion, flexion–extension, supination–pronation, or both. Through a systematic analysis of these features, the paper highlights current design trends, common trade-offs, and research gaps, aiming to guide the development of more practical, effective, and accessible elbow exoskeletons. Full article

Visual impairment or even loss seriously affects quality of life. Benefited by the rapid development of sound/laser detection, Global Positioning System (GPS)/Beidou positioning, machine vision and other technologies, the quality of life of blind people is expected to be improved through visual substitution technology. The existing visual substitution devices still have limitations in terms of safety, robustness, and ease of operation. The remote companion system developed here fully utilizes multimodal navigation and remote communication technologies, and the positioning and interaction functions of commercial mobile phones. Together with the accumulated judgment of backend personnel, it can provide real-time, safe, and reliable navigation services for blind people, helping them complete daily activities such as independent travel, circulation, and shopping. The practical results show that the system not only has strong operability and is easy to use, but also can provide users with a strong sense of security and companionship, making it suitable for promotion. In the future, this system can also be promoted for other vulnerable groups such as the elderly. Full article

With the rapid development of Internet of Things (IoT) and bioscience technology, wearable smart devices are developing toward advanced trends such as flexibility, convenience and environmental-friendliness. Poly (p-styrenesulfonic acid) (PSS), as a common template and dispersant, is indispensable in the polymerization of conductive polymers. However, the doping amount of PSS has a significant effect on the electrical conductivity of the polymer. Herein, different molar quantities of PSS were used to assist the polymerization of 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) monomer in a horseradish peroxidase/hydrogen peroxide (HRP/H₂O₂) low-temperature system to obtain conductive finishing solutions with more excellent electrical properties. Then, the polyester nonwoven fabric was immersed in the conductive finishing solution, and when the addition ratio of EDOT and PSS was 1:2, the conductive performance was optimal (3.27 KΩ cm⁻¹). Finally, the conductive fabric was assembled into a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor, which can transmit Morse code in the form of single-parameter (pressure response or temperature response) or collaboration. Overall, this research has great potential for production of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT)-based composites and their applications in smart wearable device. Full article

This study presents a systematic bibliometric review of wearable technologies aimed at vulnerable road user (VRU) safety, covering publications from 2000 to 2025. Guided by PRISMA procedures and a PICo-based search strategy, 58 records were extracted and analyzed in CiteSpace, yielding visualizations of collaboration networks, publication trajectories, and intellectual structures. The results indicate a clear evolution from single-purpose, stand-alone devices to integrated ecosystem solutions that address the needs of diverse VRU groups. Six dominant knowledge clusters emerged—street-crossing assistance, obstacle avoidance, human–computer interaction, cyclist safety, blind navigation, and smart glasses. Comparative analysis across pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists, and persons with disabilities shows three parallel transitions: single- to multisensory interfaces, reactive to predictive systems, and isolated devices to V2X-enabled ecosystems. Contemporary research emphasizes context-adaptive interfaces, seamless V2X integration, and user-centered design, and future work should focus on lightweight communication protocols, adaptive sensory algorithms, and personalized safety profiles. The review provides a consolidated knowledge map to inform researchers, practitioners, and policy-makers striving for inclusive and proactive road safety solutions. Full article

Social robots in Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) environments offer a promising alternative for enhancing senior care by providing companionship and functional support. These robots can serve as intuitive interfaces to complex smart home systems, allowing seniors and caregivers to easily control their environment and access various assistance services through natural interactions. By combining the emotional engagement capabilities of social robots with the comprehensive monitoring and support features of AAL, this integrated approach can potentially improve the quality of life and independence of elderly individuals while alleviating the burden on human caregivers. This paper explores the integration of social robotics with ambient assisted living (AAL) technologies to enhance elderly care. We propose a novel framework where a social robot is the central orchestrator of an AAL environment, coordinating various smart devices and systems to provide comprehensive support for seniors. Our approach leverages the social robot’s ability to engage in natural interactions while managing the complex network of environmental and wearable sensors and actuators. In this paper, we focus on the technical aspects of our framework. A computational P2P notebook is used to customize the environment and run reactive services. Machine learning models can be included for real-time recognition of gestures, poses, and moods to support non-verbal communication. We describe scenarios to illustrate the utility and functionality of the framework and how the robot is used to orchestrate the AAL environment to contribute to the well-being and independence of elderly individuals. We also address the technical challenges and future directions for this integrated approach to elderly care. Full article