Vibrotactile -Feedback Device for Postural Balance Among Malocclusion Patients

Effectiveness of Sensors-Based Augmented Feedback in Ergonomics to Reduce Adverse Biomechanical Exposure in Work-Related Manual Handling-A Rapid Review of the Evidence

Manual handling is a major risk factor for work-related musculoskeletal disorders and one of the leading causes of disability-adjusted life years globally, necessitating multifaceted risk reduction measures. One potential intervention for manual handling tasks is work technique training assisted by augmented feedback on biomechanical exposures. However, there is a research gap regarding its effectiveness specifically for manual handling tasks in both real work environments and controlled settings, as well as its ability to induce retained reductions in biomechanical exposure. The gap was investigated using a rapid review comprising a literature search using two databases and 11 reviews/overviews to identify studies from the past 20 years, up to studies published by 1 June 2024. Sixteen studies were identified, with 14 of them being of high or moderate methodological quality and were included. Three studies were conducted in real work environments and eleven in controlled settings. Most studies (n = 9) used auditory feedback, followed by vibration feedback (n = 6). In real work environments, the evidence for the effectiveness of sensor-based augmented feedback in reducing biomechanical exposure during administration was considered to be inconsistent and very limited directly after administration. For longer periods after administration, ranging from one week to more than six months, there is currently no evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of the feedback. In controlled settings, there was strong evidence for its effectiveness during and immediately after administration, and limited evidence for effectiveness up to six months post-administration when considering the tasks included in the training. Future research needs are discussed.

Breathing pattern, orthognathic surgery and head posture in dentofacial deformity

Abstract Introduction: Dentofacial deformity (DFD) and the breathing mode can change the head posture. However, head posture changes after orthognathic surgery are controversial, and no studies were found on the relationship between the head posture and breathing mode in adults with DFD. Objective: To identify the main head posture changes in young adults affected by DFD, to verify if orthognathic surgery modifies the breathing mode and head posture, and if the breathing mode is associated with the head posture. Methods: Twenty-five young adults were assessed and divided in dentofacial deformity group (DFD; n = 15; x̅ = 28 years) and control group with dentofacial harmony (CG; n = 10; balanced by gender and age with the study group). Breathing mode was evaluated according to the orofacial myofunctional evaluation protocol, and biophotogrammetry was used in the head posture analyses. For the DFD group, the evaluations were performed pre and post the orthognathic surgery (pre- and post-DFD). Results: For the DFD group, the breathing mode modified after orthognathic surgery (p = 0.003), but with difference from GC (p = 0.027). No changes were found in head posture after orthognathic surgery, but significant difference was seen between post-DFD and GC for head inclination (p = 0.017). No relationship was observed between breathing mode and head posture (p > 0.05). Conclusion: After orthognathic surgery, a spontaneous improvement of breathing was seen in the sample. It was not possible to verify changes in head posture and association with breathing mode and head posture.

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

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