1
|
Romero-Flores CF, Bustamante-Bello R, Moya Bencomo M, Martinez-Ríos EA, Montesinos L. Optical Marker-Based Motion Capture of the Human Spine: A Scoping Review of Study Design and Outcomes. Ann Biomed Eng 2024:10.1007/s10439-024-03567-0. [PMID: 39023832 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-024-03567-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Biomechanical analysis of the human spine is crucial to understanding injury patterns. Motion capture technology has gained attention due to its non-invasive nature. Nevertheless, traditional motion capture studies consider the spine a single rigid segment, although its alignment changes during movement. Moreover, guidelines that indicate where markers should be placed for a specific exercise do not exist. This study aims to review the methods used to assess spine biomechanics using motion capture systems to determine the marker sets used, the protocols used, the resulting parameters, the analysed activities, and the characteristics of the studied populations. PRISMA guidelines were used to perform a Scoping Review using SCOPUS and Web of Science databases. Fifty-six journal and conference articles from 1997 to 2023 were considered for the analysis. This review showed that Plug-in-Gait is the most used marker set. The lumbar spine is the segment that generates the most interest because of its high mobility and function as a weight supporter. Furthermore, angular position and velocity are the most common outcomes when studying the spine. Walking, standing, and range of movement were the most studied activities compared to sports and work-related activities. Male and female participants were recruited similarly across all included articles. This review presents the motion capture techniques and measurement outcomes of biomechanical studies of the human spine, to help standardize the field. This work also discusses trends in marker sets, study outcomes, studied segments and segmentation approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia F Romero-Flores
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Engineering and Sciences, Ave. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501, Monterrey, N.L., México, 64849
| | - Rogelio Bustamante-Bello
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Engineering and Sciences, Ave. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501, Monterrey, N.L., México, 64849
| | - Marcos Moya Bencomo
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Engineering and Sciences, Ave. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501, Monterrey, N.L., México, 64849.
| | - Erick Axel Martinez-Ríos
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Engineering and Sciences, Ave. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501, Monterrey, N.L., México, 64849
| | - Luis Montesinos
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Engineering and Sciences, Ave. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501, Monterrey, N.L., México, 64849
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Bangerter C, Faude O, Eichelberger P, Schwarzentrub A, Girardin M, Busch A, Hasler CC, Schmid S. Conventional video recordings dependably quantify whole-body lifting strategy using the Stoop-Squat-Index: A methods comparison against motion capture and a reliability study. J Biomech 2024; 164:111975. [PMID: 38320342 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2024.111975] [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: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Whole-body lifting strategies could be derived from conventional video recordings using the Stoop-Squat-Index, which quantifies the ratio between trunk forward lean and lower extremity joint flexion from 0 (full squat) to 100 (full stoop). The purpose of this study was to compare Stoop-Squat-Indices derived from conventional video recordings to those from a three-dimensional marker-based motion capture system and to evaluate interrater and intrarater reliability of the video-based approach. Thirty healthy participants lifted a 5-kg box under different conditions (freestyle, squat, stoop). Kinematic data were recorded using a Vicon motion capture system (serving as reference standard) and an iPad camera. Stoop-Squat-Indices over the entire lifting cycle were derived separately from both approaches. Agreement was assessed using mean differences (video minus motion capture) and limits of agreement. Reliability was investigated by calculating intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and minimal detectable changes (MDC) over the course of the lifting cycle. Systematic errors were identified with Statistical Parametric Mapping-based T-tests. Systematic errors between the video-based and the motion capture-based approach were observed among all conditions. Mean differences in Stoop-Squat-Indices over the lifting cycle ranged from -6.9 to 3.2 (freestyle), from -1.8 to 5.3 (squat) and from -2.8 to -1.1 (stoop). Limits of agreement were lower when the box was close to the floor, and higher towards upright standing. Reliability of the video-based approach was excellent for most of the lifting cycle, with ICC above 0.995 and MDC below 3.5. These findings support using a video-based assessment of Stoop-Squat-Indices to quantify whole-body lifting strategy in field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Bangerter
- Spinal Movement Biomechanics Group, Division of Physiotherapy, School of Health Professions, Bern University of Applied Sciences, Bern, Switzerland; Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Oliver Faude
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Patric Eichelberger
- Spinal Movement Biomechanics Group, Division of Physiotherapy, School of Health Professions, Bern University of Applied Sciences, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Annina Schwarzentrub
- Spinal Movement Biomechanics Group, Division of Physiotherapy, School of Health Professions, Bern University of Applied Sciences, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Milène Girardin
- Spinal Movement Biomechanics Group, Division of Physiotherapy, School of Health Professions, Bern University of Applied Sciences, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Aglaja Busch
- Spinal Movement Biomechanics Group, Division of Physiotherapy, School of Health Professions, Bern University of Applied Sciences, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Carol-Claudius Hasler
- Orthopaedic Department, University Children's Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Schmid
- Spinal Movement Biomechanics Group, Division of Physiotherapy, School of Health Professions, Bern University of Applied Sciences, Bern, Switzerland; Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
McMullin P, Emmett D, Gibbons A, Clingo K, Higbee P, Sykes A, Fullwood DT, Mitchell UH, Bowden AE. Dynamic segmental kinematics of the lumbar spine during diagnostic movements. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1209472. [PMID: 37840657 PMCID: PMC10568473 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1209472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: In vivo measurements of segmental-level kinematics are a promising avenue for better understanding the relationship between pain and its underlying, multi-factorial basis. To date, the bulk of the reported segmental-level motion has been restricted to single plane motions. Methods: The present work implemented a novel marker set used with an optical motion capture system to non-invasively measure dynamic, 3D in vivo segmental kinematics of the lower spine in a laboratory setting. Lumbar spinal kinematics were measured for 28 subjects during 17 diagnostic movements. Results: Overall regional range of motion data and lumbar angular velocity measurement were consistent with previously published studies. Key findings from the work included measurement of differences in ascending versus descending segmental velocities during functional movements and observations of motion coupling paradigms in the lumbar spinal segments. Conclusion: The work contributes to the task of establishing a baseline of segmental lumbar movement patterns in an asymptomatic cohort, which serves as a necessary pre-requisite for identifying pathological and symptomatic deviations from the baseline.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul McMullin
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Darian Emmett
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Andrew Gibbons
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Kelly Clingo
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Preston Higbee
- Department of Exercise Sciences, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Andrew Sykes
- Department of Exercise Sciences, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - David T. Fullwood
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Ulrike H. Mitchell
- Department of Exercise Sciences, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Anton E. Bowden
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
The role of individual physical body measurements and activity on spine kinematics during flexion, lateral bending and twist tasks in healthy young adults – Comparing marker(less) data. Biomed Signal Process Control 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bspc.2022.104517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
|
5
|
Moon KS, Gombatto SP, Phan K, Ozturk Y. Extraction of Lumbar Spine Motion Using a 3-IMU Wearable Cluster. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 23:182. [PMID: 36616780 PMCID: PMC9823955 DOI: 10.3390/s23010182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Spine movement is a daily activity that can indicate health status changes, including low back pain (LBP) problems. Repetitious and continuous movement on the spine and incorrect postures during daily functional activities may lead to the potential development and persistence of LBP problems. Therefore, monitoring of posture and movement is essential when designing LBP interventions. Typically, LBP diagnosis is facilitated by monitoring upper body posture and movement impairments, particularly during functional activities using body motion sensors. This study presents a fully wireless multi-sensor cluster system to monitor spine movements. The study suggests an attempt to develop a new method to monitor the lumbopelvic movements of interest selectively. In addition, the research employs a custom-designed robotic lumbar spine simulator to generate the ideal lumbopelvic posture and movements for reference sensor data. The mechanical motion templates provide an automated sensor pattern recognition mechanism for diagnosing the LBP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kee S. Moon
- Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, USA
| | - Sara P. Gombatto
- Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, USA
| | - Kim Phan
- Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, USA
| | - Yusuf Ozturk
- Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Skin marker-based subject-specific spinal alignment modeling: A feasibility study. J Biomech 2022; 137:111102. [PMID: 35489234 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2022.111102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Musculoskeletal models have the potential to improve diagnosis and optimize clinical treatment by predicting accurate outcomes on an individual basis. However, the subject-specific modeling of spinal alignment is often strongly simplified or is based on radiographic assessments, exposing subjects to unnecessary radiation. We therefore developed and introduced a novel skin marker-based approach for modeling subject-specific spinal alignment and evaluated its feasibility by comparing the predicted L1/L2 spinal loads during various functional activities with the loads predicted by the generically scaled models as well as with in vivo measured data obtained from the OrthoLoad database. Spinal loading simulations resulted in considerably higher compressive forces for both scaling approaches over all simulated activities, and AP shear forces that were closer or similar to the in vivo data for the subject-specific approach during upright standing activities and for the generic approach during activities that involved large flexions. These results underline the feasibility of the proposed method and associated workflow for inter- and intra-subject investigations using musculoskeletal simulations. When implemented into standard model scaling workflows, it is expected to improve the accuracy of muscle activity and joint loading simulations, which is crucial for investigations of treatment effects or pathology-dependent deviations.
Collapse
|
7
|
Schmid S. The Stoop-Squat-Index: a simple but powerful measure for quantifying whole-body lifting behavior. Arch Physiother 2022; 12:8. [PMID: 35449120 PMCID: PMC9027351 DOI: 10.1186/s40945-022-00135-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Most of the studies evaluating lifting behavior only focus on very localized parameters such as lumbar spine flexion, while evaluations of whole-body strategies are largely lacking. To enable relatively simple evaluations of whole-body strategies, this study aimed at developing a novel index for quantifying the stoop-squat behavior, and to establish normative values of the index for healthy pain-free adults. Methods A novel index, the Stoop-Squat-Index, was developed, which describes the proportion between trunk forward lean and lower extremity joint flexion, with possible values ranging from 0 (full squat lifting) to 100 (full stoop lifting). To enable the interpretation of the index in a real-life setting, normative values for lifting a moderately-weighted object (15-kg-box) with a full squat and a full stoop technique were established using motion capture data from 30 healthy pain-free individuals that underwent motion analysis of squat and stoop lifting in the context of a previously conducted study. Results The results showed mean index values of lower than 30 and higher than 90 for the most relevant phases of the squat and stoop movements, respectively, with mean index values differing significantly from each other for the full duration of the lifting phases. Conclusions The main advantages of the index are that it is simple to calculate and can not only be derived from motion capture data but also from conventional video recordings, which enables large-scale in-field measurements with relatively low expenditure. When used in combination with lumbar spine flexion measurements, the index can contribute important information, which is necessary for comprehensively evaluating whole-body lifting strategies and to shed more light on the debate over the connection between lifting posture and back complaints.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Schmid
- Bern University of Applied Sciences, Department of Health Professions, Division of Physiotherapy, Spinal Movement Biomechanics Group, Murtenstrasse 10, 3008, Bern, Switzerland. .,University of Basel, Faculty of Medicine, Klingelbergstrasse 61, 4056, Basel, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Knechtle D, Schmid S, Suter M, Riner F, Moschini G, Senteler M, Schweinhardt P, Meier ML. Fear-avoidance beliefs are associated with reduced lumbar spine flexion during object lifting in pain-free adults. Pain 2021; 162:1621-1631. [PMID: 33323888 PMCID: PMC8120682 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT There is a long-held belief that physical activities such as lifting with a flexed spine is generally harmful for the back and can cause low back pain (LBP), potentially reinforcing fear-avoidance beliefs underlying pain-related fear. In patients with chronic LBP, pain-related fear has been shown to be associated with reduced lumbar range of motion during lifting, suggesting a protective response to pain. However, despite short-term beneficial effects for tissue health, recent evidence suggests that maintaining a protective trunk movement strategy may also pose a risk for (persistent) LBP due to possible pronociceptive consequences of altered spinal motion, potentially leading to increased loading on lumbar tissues. Yet, it is unknown if similar protective movement strategies already exist in pain-free individuals, which would yield potential insights into the role of fear-avoidance beliefs in motor behavior in the absence of pain. Therefore, the aim of this study is to test whether fear-avoidance beliefs influence spinal motion during lifting in a healthy cohort of pain-free adults without a history of chronic pain. The study subjects (N = 57) filled out several pain-related fear questionnaires and were asked to perform a lifting task (5kg-box). High-resolution spinal kinematics were assessed using an optical motion capturing system. Time-sensitive analyses were performed based on statistical parametric mapping. The results demonstrated time-specific and negative relationships between self-report measures of pain-related fear and lumbar spine flexion angles during lifting, indicating potential unfavorable interactions between psychological factors and spinal motion during lifting in pain-free subjects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Knechtle
- Integrative Spinal Research, Department of Chiropractic Medicine, Balgrist University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Chiropractic Medicine, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Schmid
- Spinal Movement Biomechanics Group, Division of Physiotherapy, Department of Health Professions, Bern University of Applied Sciences, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Magdalena Suter
- Integrative Spinal Research, Department of Chiropractic Medicine, Balgrist University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Chiropractic Medicine, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Fabienne Riner
- Integrative Spinal Research, Department of Chiropractic Medicine, Balgrist University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Chiropractic Medicine, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Greta Moschini
- Department of Orthopedics, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Institute for Biomechanics, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marco Senteler
- Department of Orthopedics, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Institute for Biomechanics, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Petra Schweinhardt
- Integrative Spinal Research, Department of Chiropractic Medicine, Balgrist University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Chiropractic Medicine, University of Zurich, Switzerland
- Alan Edwards Center for Research on Pain, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Michael L. Meier
- Integrative Spinal Research, Department of Chiropractic Medicine, Balgrist University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Chiropractic Medicine, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Between-session reliability of skin marker-derived spinal kinematics during functional activities. Gait Posture 2021; 85:280-284. [PMID: 33636456 DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2021.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Skin marker-based analysis of functional spinal movement is a promising method for quantifying longitudinal effects of treatment interventions in patients with spinal pathologies. However, observed day-to-day changes might not necessarily be due to a treatment intervention, but can result from errors related to soft tissue artifacts, marker placement inaccuracies or biological day-to-day variability. RESEARCH QUESTION How reliable are skin marker-derived three-dimensional spinal kinematics during functional activities between two separate measurement sessions? METHODS Twenty healthy adults (11 females/9 males) were invited to a movement analysis laboratory for two visits separated by 7-10 days. At each visit, they performed various functional activities (i.e. sitting, standing, walking, running, chair rising, box lifting and vertical jumping), while marker trajectories were recorded using a skin marker-based 10-camera optical motion capture system and used to calculate sagittal and frontal plane spinal curvature angles as well as transverse plane segmental rotational angles in the lumbar and thoracic regions. Between-session reliability for continuous data and discrete parameters was determined by analyzing systematic errors using one sample T-tests as well as by calculating intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and minimal detectable changes (MDCs). RESULTS AND SIGNIFICANCE The analysis indicated high relative consistency for sagittal plane curvature angles during all activities, but not for frontal and transverse plane angles during walking and running. MDCs were mostly below 15°, with relative values ranging between 10 % and 750 %. This study provides important information that can serve as a basis for researchers and clinicians aiming at investigating longitudinal effects of treatment interventions on spinal motion behavior in patients with spinal pathologies.
Collapse
|
10
|
Pan F, Zhu R, Zander T, Lu S, Schmidt H. The sagittal sways of back lordosis and sacral orientation during still standing at different arm positions. J Biomech 2020; 114:110149. [PMID: 33271471 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2020.110149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Lumbo-pelvic parameters in the sagittal plane are normally measured from lateral radiographs obtained at a single time point during upright standing with arms held forward to expose anatomical bony structures. However, the human trunk naturally sways during still standing, which potentially alters the targeted parameters. We therefore aimed to investigate the effect of postural sway on lumbo-pelvic parameters during still standing at different arm positions. A non-radiological back measurement device was used to determine the absolute changes of back lordosis and sacral orientation during one-minute still standing while participants (10 males and 10 females without low back pain) held their arms at eight different positions. When the arms were freely hanging down at both sides, males displayed median values of 25.2° (range: 15.6-45.0°) and 7.4° (range: 2.0-26.7°) for back lordosis and sacral orientation, which were smaller than those of 33.1° (range: 11.9-41.9°) and 16.1° (range: 0.8-22.8°) for females, respectively (P < 0.05). At the same arm position, the median values were 2.7° (range: 1.3-5.2°) and 2.9° (range: 1.6-4.5°) for change of back lordosis and change of sacral orientation, respectively. Sex displayed no significant influence for both measures. Different arm positions non-significantly affected the change of back lordosis. When hands rested on horizontal bars, the change of sacral orientation was significantly less than during other arm positions (P < 0.05). Hence, back lordosis and sacral orientation inherently change during still standing, independently of sex and arm position, which could compromise the reliability of measurements at a single time point. When categorizing subjects into groups with normal or abnormal lumbo-pelvic balance, this variability should be taken into consideration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fumin Pan
- Department of Orthopedics, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration (Tongji University), Ministry of Education, 389 Xincun Road, 200065 Shanghai, China; Julius Wolff Institute, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Germany
| | - Rui Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration (Tongji University), Ministry of Education, 389 Xincun Road, 200065 Shanghai, China
| | - Thomas Zander
- Julius Wolff Institute, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Germany
| | - Shibao Lu
- Department of Orthopedics, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hendrik Schmidt
- Julius Wolff Institute, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Zaltieri M, Massaroni C, Lo Presti D, Bravi M, Sabbadini R, Miccinilli S, Sterzi S, Formica D, Schena E. A Wearable Device Based on a Fiber Bragg Grating Sensor for Low Back Movements Monitoring. SENSORS 2020; 20:s20143825. [PMID: 32659958 PMCID: PMC7411829 DOI: 10.3390/s20143825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Low back pain (LBP) is one of the musculoskeletal disorders that most affects workers. Among others, one of the working categories which mainly experiences such disease are video terminal workers. As it causes exploitation of the National Health Service and absenteeism in workplaces, LBP constitutes a relevant socio-economic burden. In such a scenario, a prompt detection of wrong seating postures can be useful to prevent the occurrence of this disorder. To date, many tools capable of monitoring the spinal range of motions (ROMs) are marketed, but most of them are unusable in working environments due to their bulkiness, discomfort and invasiveness. In the last decades, fiber optic sensors have made their mark allowing the creation of light and compact wearable systems. In this study, a novel wearable device embedding a Fiber Bragg Grating sensor for the detection of lumbar flexion-extensions (F/E) in seated subjects is proposed. At first, the manufacturing process of the sensing element was shown together with its mechanical characterization, that shows linear response to strain with a high correlation coefficient (R2 > 0.99) and a sensitivity value (Sε) of 0.20 nm∙mε−1. Then, the capability of the wearable device in measuring F/E in the sagittal body plane was experimentally assessed on a small population of volunteers, using a Motion Capture system (MoCap) as gold standard showing good ability of the system to match the lumbar F/E trend in time. Additionally, the lumbar ROMs were evaluated in terms of intervertebral lumbar distances (ΔdL3−L1) and angles, exhibiting moderate to good agreement with the MoCap outputs (the maximum Mean Absolute Error obtained is ~16% in detecting ΔdL3−L1). The proposed wearable device is the first attempt for the development of FBG-based wearable systems for workers’ safety monitoring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martina Zaltieri
- Department of Engineering, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 00128 Rome, Italy; (M.Z.); (C.M.); (D.L.P.); (R.S.)
| | - Carlo Massaroni
- Department of Engineering, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 00128 Rome, Italy; (M.Z.); (C.M.); (D.L.P.); (R.S.)
| | - Daniela Lo Presti
- Department of Engineering, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 00128 Rome, Italy; (M.Z.); (C.M.); (D.L.P.); (R.S.)
| | - Marco Bravi
- Unit of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 00128 Rome, Italy; (M.B.); (S.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Riccardo Sabbadini
- Department of Engineering, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 00128 Rome, Italy; (M.Z.); (C.M.); (D.L.P.); (R.S.)
| | - Sandra Miccinilli
- Unit of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 00128 Rome, Italy; (M.B.); (S.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Silvia Sterzi
- Unit of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 00128 Rome, Italy; (M.B.); (S.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Domenico Formica
- Unit of Neurophysiology and Neuroengineering of HumanTechnology Interaction, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 00128 Rome, Italy;
| | - Emiliano Schena
- Department of Engineering, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 00128 Rome, Italy; (M.Z.); (C.M.); (D.L.P.); (R.S.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|