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Sanchez-Ruiz R, de la Plaza San Frutos M, Sosa-Reina MD, Sanz-Esteban I, García-Arrabé M, Estrada-Barranco C. Associations between respiratory function, balance, postural control, and fatigue in persons with multiple sclerosis: an observational study. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1332417. [PMID: 38572010 PMCID: PMC10987765 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1332417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Fatigue, postural control impairments, and reduced respiratory capacities are common symptoms in persons diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). However, there is a paucity of evidence establishing correlations among these factors. The aim of this study is to analyze respiratory function in persons with MS compared to the control group as well as to analyze the relationship between fatigue, respiratory function and postural control in persons with MS. Materials and methods A total of 17 persons with MS and 17 healthy individuals were enrolled for this cross-sectional study. The evaluated parameters included fatigue assessed using the Visual Analog Scale-fatigue (VAS-F) and the Borg Dyspnea Scale, postural control assessed through the Mini Balance Evaluation System Test (Mini-BESTest), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS); and respiratory capacities measured by Maximum Inspiratory Pressure (MIP), Maximum Expiratory Pressure (MEP), Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in the first second (FEV1), FEV1/FVC ratio, Diaphragmatic excursion and diaphragmatic thickness. Results A very high correlation was observed between the Borg Dyspnoea Scale and the BBS (r = -0.768), TUG (0.867), and Mini-BESTest (r = -0.775). The VAS-F exhibited an almost perfect correlation solely with the TUG (0.927). However, none of the variables related to fatigue exhibited any correlation with the respiratory variables under study. Balance-related variables such as BBS and Mini-BESTest demonstrated a very high and high correlation. Respectively, with respiratory function variables MEP (r = 0.783; r = 0.686), FVC (r = 0.709; r = 0.596), FEV1 (r = 0.615; r = 0.518). BBS exhibited a high correlation with diaphragmatic excursion (r = 0.591). Statistically significant differences were noted between the persons with MS group and the control group in all respiratory and ultrasound parameters except for diaphragmatic thickness. Conclusion The findings suggest that decreased postural control and balance are associated with both respiratory capacity impairments and the presence of fatigue in persons with MS. However, it is important to note that the alterations in respiratory capacities and fatigue are not mutually related, as indicated by the data obtained in this study. Discrepancies were identified in abdominal wall thickness, diaphragmatic excursion, and respiratory capacities between persons with MS and their healthy counterparts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Maria García-Arrabé
- Faculty of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences, European University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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2
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Bohlke K, Redfern MS, Rosso AL, Sejdic E. Accelerometry applications and methods to assess standing balance in older adults and mobility-limited patient populations: a narrative review. Aging Clin Exp Res 2023; 35:1991-2007. [PMID: 37526887 PMCID: PMC10881067 DOI: 10.1007/s40520-023-02503-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Accelerometers provide an opportunity to expand standing balance assessments outside of the laboratory. The purpose of this narrative review is to show that accelerometers are accurate, objective, and accessible tools for balance assessment. Accelerometry has been validated against current gold standard technology, such as optical motion capture systems and force plates. Many studies have been conducted to show how accelerometers can be useful for clinical examinations. Recent studies have begun to apply classification algorithms to accelerometry balance measures to discriminate populations at risk for falls. In addition to healthy older adults, accelerometry can monitor balance in patient populations such as Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and traumatic brain injury. The lack of software packages or easy-to-use applications have hindered the shift into the clinical space. Lack of consensus on outcome metrics has also slowed the clinical adoption of accelerometer-based balance assessments. Future studies should focus on metrics that are most helpful to evaluate balance in specific populations and protocols that are clinically efficacious.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla Bohlke
- Department of Bioengineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, 4200 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA
| | - Mark S Redfern
- Department of Bioengineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, 4200 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA
| | - Andrea L Rosso
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, 4200 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA
| | - Ervin Sejdic
- The Edward S. Rogers Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering, University of Toronto, 27 King's College Cir, Toronto, ON, M5S, Canada.
- North York General Hospital, 4001 Leslie St., Toronto, ON, M2K, Canada.
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Woelfle T, Bourguignon L, Lorscheider J, Kappos L, Naegelin Y, Jutzeler CR. Wearable Sensor Technologies to Assess Motor Functions in People With Multiple Sclerosis: Systematic Scoping Review and Perspective. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e44428. [PMID: 37498655 PMCID: PMC10415952 DOI: 10.2196/44428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Wearable sensor technologies have the potential to improve monitoring in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and inform timely disease management decisions. Evidence of the utility of wearable sensor technologies in people with MS is accumulating but is generally limited to specific subgroups of patients, clinical or laboratory settings, and functional domains. OBJECTIVE This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of all studies that have used wearable sensors to assess, monitor, and quantify motor function in people with MS during daily activities or in a controlled laboratory setting and to shed light on the technological advances over the past decades. METHODS We systematically reviewed studies on wearable sensors to assess the motor performance of people with MS. We scanned PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science databases until December 31, 2022, considering search terms "multiple sclerosis" and those associated with wearable technologies and included all studies assessing motor functions. The types of results from relevant studies were systematically mapped into 9 predefined categories (association with clinical scores or other measures; test-retest reliability; group differences, 3 types; responsiveness to change or intervention; and acceptability to study participants), and the reporting quality was determined through 9 questions. We followed the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) reporting guidelines. RESULTS Of the 1251 identified publications, 308 were included: 176 (57.1%) in a real-world context, 107 (34.7%) in a laboratory context, and 25 (8.1%) in a mixed context. Most publications studied physical activity (196/308, 63.6%), followed by gait (81/308, 26.3%), dexterity or tremor (38/308, 12.3%), and balance (34/308, 11%). In the laboratory setting, outcome measures included (in addition to clinical severity scores) 2- and 6-minute walking tests, timed 25-foot walking test, timed up and go, stair climbing, balance tests, and finger-to-nose test, among others. The most popular anatomical landmarks for wearable placement were the waist, wrist, and lower back. Triaxial accelerometers were most commonly used (229/308, 74.4%). A surge in the number of sensors embedded in smartphones and smartwatches has been observed. Overall, the reporting quality was good. CONCLUSIONS Continuous monitoring with wearable sensors could optimize the management of people with MS, but some hurdles still exist to full clinical adoption of digital monitoring. Despite a possible publication bias and vast heterogeneity in the outcomes reported, our review provides an overview of the current literature on wearable sensor technologies used for people with MS and highlights shortcomings, such as the lack of harmonization, transparency in reporting methods and results, and limited data availability for the research community. These limitations need to be addressed for the growing implementation of wearable sensor technologies in clinical routine and clinical trials, which is of utmost importance for further progress in clinical research and daily management of people with MS. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42021243249; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=243249.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Woelfle
- Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel, University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lucie Bourguignon
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Johannes Lorscheider
- Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel, University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ludwig Kappos
- Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel, University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Yvonne Naegelin
- Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel, University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Pooranawatthanakul K, Siriphorn A. Testing the validity and reliability of a new android application-based accelerometer balance assessment tool for community-dwelling older adults. Gait Posture 2023; 104:103-108. [PMID: 37379735 DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2023.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Postural instability is a risk factor for falls in older adults. It is possible to detect postural stability using an integrated accelerometer (ACC) sensor in a smartphone. Therefore, a novel ACC-based smartphone application running on the Android operating system called BalanceLab was created and tested. PURPOSE This study aimed to determine the validity and reliability of a novel ACC-based Android smartphone application for assessing balance in older adults. METHODS Using BalanceLab, 20 older adults completed three balance assessments: the Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction in Balance (MCTSIB), a single-leg stance test (SLST), and a limit of stability test (LOS). The validity of this mobile application was investigated using a three-dimensional (3D) motion analysis system and the Fullerton Advanced Balance (FAB) scale. The test-retest reliability of this mobile application was determined on two separate occasions within one day, at least two hours apart. RESULTS The two static balance assessments (the MCTSIB and SLST) demonstrated moderate to excellent correlation with the 3D motion analysis system (r = 0.70-0.91) and the FAB scale (r = 0.67-0.80). However, the majority of the dynamic balance tests (the LOS tests) did not demonstrate any correlation with the 3D motion analysis system or the FAB scale. This novel ACC-based application demonstrated good to excellent test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.76-0.91). CONCLUSION A static, but not dynamic, balance assessment tool that uses a novel ACC-based application for Android can be used to measure balance in older adults. This application has moderate to excellent validity and test-retest reliability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanokporn Pooranawatthanakul
- Human Movement Performance Enhancement Research Unit, Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences Chulalongkorn University, Thailand
| | - Akkradate Siriphorn
- Human Movement Performance Enhancement Research Unit, Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences Chulalongkorn University, Thailand.
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Promsri A, Bangkomdet K, Jindatham I, Jenchang T. Leg Dominance—Surface Stability Interaction: Effects on Postural Control Assessed by Smartphone-Based Accelerometry. Sports (Basel) 2023; 11:sports11040075. [PMID: 37104149 PMCID: PMC10145104 DOI: 10.3390/sports11040075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The preferential use of one leg over another in performing lower-limb motor tasks (i.e., leg dominance) is considered to be one of the internal risk factors for sports-related lower-limb injuries. The current study aimed to investigate the effects of leg dominance on postural control during unipedal balancing on three different support surfaces with increasing levels of instability: a firm surface, a foam pad, and a multiaxial balance board. In addition, the interaction effect between leg dominance and surface stability was also tested. To this end, a tri-axial accelerometer-based smartphone sensor was placed over the lumbar spine (L5) of 22 young adults (21.5 ± 0.6 years) to record postural accelerations. Sample entropy (SampEn) was applied to acceleration data as a measure of postural sway regularity (i.e., postural control complexity). The results show that leg dominance (p < 0.001) and interaction (p < 0.001) effects emerge in all acceleration directions. Specifically, balancing on the dominant (kicking) leg shows more irregular postural acceleration fluctuations (high SampEn), reflecting a higher postural control efficiency or automaticity than balancing on the non-dominant leg. However, the interaction effects suggest that unipedal balancing training on unstable surfaces is recommended to reduce interlimb differences in neuromuscular control for injury prevention and rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arunee Promsri
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao 56000, Thailand
- Unit of Excellence in Neuromechanics, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao 56000, Thailand
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +66-54-466-666 (ext. 3817)
| | - Kotchakorn Bangkomdet
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao 56000, Thailand
| | - Issariya Jindatham
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao 56000, Thailand
| | - Thananya Jenchang
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao 56000, Thailand
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Valenciano PJ, Conceição NR, Marcori AJ, Teixeira LA. Use of accelerometry to investigate standing and dynamic body balance in people with cerebral palsy: A systematic review. Gait Posture 2022; 96:357-364. [PMID: 35820240 DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2022.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with cerebral palsy (CP) often have difficulties related to maintaining body balance in their daily living activities. Accelerometers are low-cost wearable devices with potential use to objectively assess balance. RESEARCH QUESTION What are the main characteristics and findings from protocols used in research aiming to investigate standing or dynamic body balance stability through trunk accelerometry in people with CP? METHOD We searched in December 2021 seven databases, Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane, Science Direct, Scopus, PEDro, and Lilacs, with descriptors related to cerebral palsy, accelerometer, and balance. RESULTS Ten studies were included, with a total of 197 evaluated people with CP. These studies were classified as moderate or high methodological quality. We found convergence on the use of the sensor at the lumbar region (L3), with sampling frequency at 100 Hz. For balance assessment, 60 % of the reviewed studies used the 10-m walk test, while the other studies used different walking distances, or the quiet standing test. For data processing, the low-pass filter at 20 Hz has been used predominantly, and the most commonly used variable to evaluate balance stability has been root mean square of trunk acceleration. Children and adolescents with CP had higher acceleration values and greater gait complexity than typically developing children. Individuals with bilateral impairment had greater anteroposterior and mediolateral trunk accelerations than those with unilateral impairment. Trunk acceleration was shown to be sensitive to improvement in gait stability from interventions, and acceleration-based measures have been found to correlate with qualitative balance assessment tools. SIGNIFICANCE Trunk accelerometry in quiet posture and dynamic tasks was shown to be a valid and sensitive measurement to evaluate balance stability in children and adolescents with CP. It is a small, light, low-cost and easy-to-handle tool that is effective for measuring body balance on different tasks in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Janeiro Valenciano
- Human Motor Systems Laboratory, School of Physical Education and Sport, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Núbia Ribeiro Conceição
- Human Motor Systems Laboratory, School of Physical Education and Sport, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Alexandre Jehan Marcori
- Human Motor Systems Laboratory, School of Physical Education and Sport, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Luis Augusto Teixeira
- Human Motor Systems Laboratory, School of Physical Education and Sport, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Hsieh KL, Frechette ML, Fanning J, Chen L, Griffin A, Sosnoff JJ. The Developments and Iterations of a Mobile Technology-Based Fall Risk Health Application. Front Digit Health 2022; 4:828686. [PMID: 35574255 PMCID: PMC9091349 DOI: 10.3389/fdgth.2022.828686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Falls are a prevalent and serious health concern across clinical populations. A critical step in falls prevention is identifying modifiable risk factors, but due to time constraints and equipment costs, fall risk screening is rarely performed. Mobile technology offers an innovative approach to provide personalized fall risk screening for clinical populations. To inform future development, this manuscript discusses the development and testing of mobile health fall risk applications for three unique clinical populations [older adults, individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and wheeled-device users]. We focus on key lessons learned and future directions to improve the field of fall risk mHealth. During the development phase, we first identified fall risk factors specific to each population that are measurable with mobile technology. Second, we determined whether inertial measurement units within smartphones can measure postural control within the target population. Last, we developed the interface of each app with a user-centered design approach with usability testing through iterative semi-structured interviews. We then tested our apps in real-world settings. Our cumulative work demonstrates that mobile technology can be leveraged to provide personalized fall risk screening for different clinical populations. Fall risk apps should be designed and tailored for the targeted group to enhance usefulness and feasibility. In addition, fall risk factors measured with mobile technology should include those that are specific to the population, are measurable with mobile technology, and can accurately measure fall risk. Future work should improve fall risk algorithms and implement mobile technology into fall prevention programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine L. Hsieh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section on Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Mikaela L. Frechette
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, United States
| | - Jason Fanning
- Department of Health and Exercise Science, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Lingjun Chen
- Department of Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation Science, and Athletic Training, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Aileen Griffin
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, United States
| | - Jacob J. Sosnoff
- Department of Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation Science, and Athletic Training, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
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Salchow-Hömmen C, Skrobot M, Jochner MCE, Schauer T, Kühn AA, Wenger N. Review-Emerging Portable Technologies for Gait Analysis in Neurological Disorders. Front Hum Neurosci 2022; 16:768575. [PMID: 35185496 PMCID: PMC8850274 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.768575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The understanding of locomotion in neurological disorders requires technologies for quantitative gait analysis. Numerous modalities are available today to objectively capture spatiotemporal gait and postural control features. Nevertheless, many obstacles prevent the application of these technologies to their full potential in neurological research and especially clinical practice. These include the required expert knowledge, time for data collection, and missing standards for data analysis and reporting. Here, we provide a technological review of wearable and vision-based portable motion analysis tools that emerged in the last decade with recent applications in neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease and Multiple Sclerosis. The goal is to enable the reader to understand the available technologies with their individual strengths and limitations in order to make an informed decision for own investigations and clinical applications. We foresee that ongoing developments toward user-friendly automated devices will allow for closed-loop applications, long-term monitoring, and telemedical consulting in real-life environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Salchow-Hömmen
- Department of Neurology With Experimental Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Matej Skrobot
- Department of Neurology With Experimental Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Magdalena C E Jochner
- Department of Neurology With Experimental Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Schauer
- Control Systems Group, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andrea A Kühn
- Department of Neurology With Experimental Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin School of Mind and Brain, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- NeuroCure Clinical Research Centre, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, DZNE, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nikolaus Wenger
- Department of Neurology With Experimental Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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9
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van Oirschot P, Heerings M, Wendrich K, den Teuling B, Dorssers F, van Ee R, Martens MB, Jongen PJ. A Two-Minute Walking Test With a Smartphone App for Persons With Multiple Sclerosis: Validation Study. JMIR Form Res 2021; 5:e29128. [PMID: 34787581 PMCID: PMC8663688 DOI: 10.2196/29128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Walking disturbances are a common dysfunction in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). The 2-Minute Walking Test (2MWT) is widely used to quantify walking speed. We implemented a smartphone-based 2MWT (s2MWT) in MS sherpa, an app for persons with MS. When performing the s2MWT, users of the app are instructed to walk as fast as safely possible for 2 minutes in the open air, while the app records their movement and calculates the distance walked. Objective The aim of this study is to investigate the concurrent validity and test-retest reliability of the MS sherpa s2MWT. Methods We performed a validation study on 25 persons with relapsing-remitting MS and 79 healthy control (HC) participants. In the HC group, 21 participants were matched to the persons with MS based on age, gender, and education and these followed the same assessment schedule as the persons with MS (the HC-matched group), whereas 58 participants had a less intense assessment schedule to determine reference values (the HC-normative group). Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were determined between the distance measured by the s2MWT and the distance measured using distance markers on the pavement during these s2MWT assessments. ICCs were also determined for test-retest reliability and derived from 10 smartphone tests per study participant, with 3 days in between each test. We interviewed 7 study participants with MS regarding their experiences with the s2MWT. Results In total, 755 s2MWTs were completed. The adherence rate for the persons with MS and the participants in the HC-matched group was 92.4% (425/460). The calculated distance walked on the s2MWT was, on average, 8.43 m or 5% (SD 18.9 m or 11%) higher than the distance measured using distance markers (n=43). An ICC of 0.817 was found for the concurrent validity of the s2MWT in the combined analysis of persons with MS and HC participants. Average ICCs of 9 test-retest reliability analyses of the s2MWT for persons with MS and the participants in the HC-matched group were 0.648 (SD 0.150) and 0.600 (SD 0.090), respectively, whereas the average ICC of 2 test-retest reliability analyses of the s2MWT for the participants in the HC-normative group was 0.700 (SD 0.029). The interviewed study participants found the s2MWT easy to perform, but they also expressed that the test results can be confronting and that a pressure to reach a certain distance can be experienced. Conclusions The high correlation between s2MWT distance and the conventional 2MWT distance indicates a good concurrent validity. Similarly, high correlations underpin a good test-retest reliability of the s2MWT. We conclude that the s2MWT can be used to measure the distance that the persons with MS walk in 2 minutes outdoors near their home, from which both clinical studies and clinical practice can benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marco Heerings
- Dutch National Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, Rotterdam, Netherlands.,Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Karine Wendrich
- Faculty of Science, Institute for Science in Society, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | | | | | - René van Ee
- Orikami Digital Health Products, Nijmegen, Netherlands.,Sint Maartenskliniek, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Marijn Bart Martens
- Drug Target ID, Nijmegen, Netherlands.,NeuroDrug Research BV, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Peter Joseph Jongen
- Department of Community & Occupational Medicine, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands.,MS4 Research Institute, Nijmegen, Netherlands
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10
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Gait Analysis Using Accelerometry Data from a Single Smartphone: Agreement and Consistency between a Smartphone Application and Gold-Standard Gait Analysis System. SENSORS 2021; 21:s21227497. [PMID: 34833576 PMCID: PMC8622042 DOI: 10.3390/s21227497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Spatio-temporal parameters of human gait, currently measured using different methods, provide valuable information on health. Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) are one such method of gait analysis, with smartphone IMUs serving as a good substitute for current gold-standard techniques. Here we investigate the concurrent validity of a smartphone placed in a front-facing pocket to perform gait analysis. Sixty community-dwelling healthy adults equipped with a smartphone and an application for gait analysis completed a 2-min walk on a marked path. Concurrent validity was assessed against an APDM mobility lab (APDM Inc.; Portland, OR, USA). Bland–Altman plots and intraclass correlation coefficients (agreement and consistency) for gait speed, cadence, and step length indicate good to excellent agreement (ICC2,1 > 0.8). For right leg stance and swing % of gait cycle and double support % of gait cycle, results were moderate (0.52 < ICC2,1 < 0.62). For left leg stance and swing % of gait cycle left results show poor agreement (ICC2,1 < 0.5). Consistency of results was good to excellent for all tested parameters (ICC3,1 > 0.8). Thus we have a valid and reliable instrument for measuring healthy adults’ spatio-temporal gait parameters in a controlled walking environment.
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11
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Guillén-Rogel P, Barbado D, Franco-Escudero C, San Emeterio C, Marín PJ. Are Core Stability Tests Related to Single Leg Squat Performance in Active Females? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18115548. [PMID: 34067492 PMCID: PMC8196943 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18115548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Core stability (CS) deficits can have a significant impact on lower limb function. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between two dynamic core exercise assessments and dynamic knee valgus during single-leg squats. In total, 20 physically active female students participated in this study. The OCTOcore smartphone application assesses CS during two dynamic exercise tests, the partial range single-leg deadlift (SLD) test and the bird-dog (BD) test. A two-dimensional assessment of a single-leg squat test was used to quantify participants’ hip frontal angle (HFASLS) and knee frontal plane projection angle (FPPASLS). Ankle dorsiflexion was evaluated through the weight-bearing dorsiflexion test. The correlational analyses indicated that the HFASLS was significantly related to the partial range single-leg deadlift test (r = 0.314, p < 0.05) and ankle dorsiflexion (r = 0.322, p < 0.05). The results showed a significant difference (p < 0.05) in the CS test between cases categorised as dynamic knee valgus (>10°) and normal (≤10°). The CS deficit may influence the neuromuscular control of the lumbopelvic-hip complex during single-leg movements. The link between CS and kinematic factors related to knee injuries was only observed when CS was measured in the SLD test but not in the BD test.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paloma Guillén-Rogel
- Laboratory of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Miguel de Cervantes European University, 47012 Valladolid, Spain; (P.G.-R.); (C.F.-E.); (C.S.E.)
| | - David Barbado
- Sport Research Centre, Miguel Hernández University, 03202 Elche, Spain;
| | - Cristina Franco-Escudero
- Laboratory of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Miguel de Cervantes European University, 47012 Valladolid, Spain; (P.G.-R.); (C.F.-E.); (C.S.E.)
| | - Cristina San Emeterio
- Laboratory of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Miguel de Cervantes European University, 47012 Valladolid, Spain; (P.G.-R.); (C.F.-E.); (C.S.E.)
| | - Pedro J. Marín
- Development Research, CYMO Research Institute, 47140 Valladolid, Spain
- Correspondence:
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Rahmani MH, Berkvens R, Weyn M. Chest-Worn Inertial Sensors: A Survey of Applications and Methods. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 21:2875. [PMID: 33921900 PMCID: PMC8074221 DOI: 10.3390/s21082875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) are frequently implemented in wearable devices. Thanks to advances in signal processing and machine learning, applications of IMUs are not limited to those explicitly addressing body movements such as Activity Recognition (AR). On the other hand, wearing IMUs on the chest offers a few advantages over other body positions. AR and posture analysis, cardiopulmonary parameters estimation, voice and swallowing activity detection and other measurements can be approached through chest-worn inertial sensors. This survey tries to introduce the applications that come with the chest-worn IMUs and summarizes the existing methods, current challenges and future directions associated with them. In this regard, this paper references a total number of 57 relevant studies from the last 10 years and categorizes them into seven application areas. We discuss the inertial sensors used as well as their placement on the body and their associated validation methods based on the application categories. Our investigations show meaningful correlations among the studies within the same application categories. Then, we investigate the data processing architectures of the studies from the hardware point of view, indicating a lack of effort on handling the main processing through on-body units. Finally, we propose combining the discussed applications in a single platform, finding robust ways for artifact cancellation, and planning optimized sensing/processing architectures for them, to be taken more seriously in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Maarten Weyn
- IDLab-Faculty of Applied Engineering, University of Antwerp-imec, Sint-Pietersvliet 7, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium; (M.H.R.); (R.B.)
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Abou L, Wong E, Peters J, Dossou MS, Sosnoff JJ, Rice LA. Smartphone applications to assess gait and postural control in people with multiple sclerosis: A systematic review. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2021; 51:102943. [PMID: 33873026 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2021.102943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Methods to effectively assess gait and balance impairments are necessary to guide interventions among people with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS). Smartphone-based evaluations are becoming popular due to the ubiquitous use of smartphones in society. OBJECTIVE To determine the current state of smartphone applications that assess gait and balance among PwMS. METHODS Two independent reviewers screened articles retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, and SportDiscuss. Articles meeting eligibility criteria were summarized and qualitatively discussed. Participant characteristics, validity, reliability, sensitivity and specificity measures, and main results of smartphone-based gait and balance evaluations were summarized. Methodological quality appraisal of the studies was performed using the quality assessment tool for observational cohort and cross-sectional studies. RESULTS Eight articles were included in this review. The studies present mostly with low risk of bias. All studies successfully tested the use of smartphone applications in assessing gait and balance among PwMS. In total, 75% of the studies evaluated the validity; 38% evaluated the reliability, sensitivity, and specificity of smartphone applications to assess gait and balance. Of those, all studies except one found smartphone applications to be appropriately valid, reliable, sensitive, and specific in assessing gait and balance. Most studies (88%) reported PwMS and clinicians as their intended users. CONCLUSION There is evidence supporting the use of smartphone applications to assess gait and balance among PwMS. Future studies should further examine the psychometric properties of smartphone-based gait and postural control assessments as well as the sensitivity and specificity to improve the interpretation of the results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Libak Abou
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, College of Applied Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Ellyce Wong
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, College of Applied Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Joseph Peters
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, College of Applied Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Mauricette S Dossou
- Centre National Hospitalier et Universitaire de Pneumo-Phtisiologie, Cotonou, BENIN
| | - Jacob J Sosnoff
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, College of Applied Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA; Illinois Multiple Sclerosis Research Collaborative, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Laura A Rice
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, College of Applied Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA; Illinois Multiple Sclerosis Research Collaborative, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.
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Hsieh K, Fanning J, Frechette M, Sosnoff J. Usability of a Fall Risk mHealth App for People With Multiple Sclerosis: Mixed Methods Study. JMIR Hum Factors 2021; 8:e25604. [PMID: 33749609 PMCID: PMC8080269 DOI: 10.2196/25604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, neurodegenerative disease that causes a range of motor, sensory, and cognitive symptoms. Due to these symptoms, people with MS are at a high risk for falls, fall-related injuries, and reductions in quality of life. There is no cure for MS, and managing symptoms and disease progression is important to maintain a high quality of life. Mobile health (mHealth) apps are commonly used by people with MS to help manage their health. However, there are limited health apps for people with MS designed to evaluate fall risk. A fall risk app can increase access to fall risk assessments and improve self-management. When designing mHealth apps, a user-centered approach is critical for improving use and adoption. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study is to undergo a user-centered approach to test and refine the usability of the app through an iterative design process. METHODS The fall risk app Steady-MS is an extension of Steady, a fall risk app for older adults. Steady-MS consists of 2 components: a 25-item questionnaire about demographics and MS symptoms and 5 standing balance tasks. Data from the questionnaire and balance tasks were inputted into an algorithm to compute a fall risk score. Two iterations of semistructured interviews (n=5 participants per iteration) were performed to evaluate usability. People with MS used Steady-MS on a smartphone, thinking out loud. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and developed into codes and themes. People with MS also completed the System Usability Scale. RESULTS A total of 3 themes were identified: intuitive navigation, efficiency of use, and perceived value. Overall, the participants found Steady-MS efficient to use and useful to learn their fall risk score. There were challenges related to cognitive overload during the balance tasks. Modifications were made, and after the second iteration, people with MS reported that the app was intuitive and efficient. Average System Usability Scale scores were 95.5 in both iterations, representing excellent usability. CONCLUSIONS Steady-MS is the first mHealth app for people with MS to assess their overall risk of falling and is usable by a subset of people with MS. People with MS found Steady-MS to be usable and useful for understanding their risk of falling. When developing future mHealth apps for people with MS, it is important to prevent cognitive overload through simple and clear instructions and present scores that are understood and interpreted correctly through visuals and text. These findings underscore the importance of user-centered design and provide a foundation for the future development of tools to assess and prevent scalable falls for people with MS. Future steps include understanding the validity of the fall risk algorithm and evaluating the clinical utility of the app.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Hsieh
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States.,Department of Internal Medicine, Section on Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Jason Fanning
- Department of Health and Exercise Science, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Mikaela Frechette
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Jacob Sosnoff
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States.,Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, School of Health Professions, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
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