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Zhong W, Wang D, Ke Y, Ming X, Jiang H, Li J, Li M, Chen Q, Wang D. Multi-Layer Polyurethane-Fiber-Prepared Entangled Strain Sensor with Tunable Sensitivity and Working Range for Human Motion Detection. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:1023. [PMID: 38674943 PMCID: PMC11053417 DOI: 10.3390/polym16081023] [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: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The entanglement of fibers can form physical and topological structures, with the resulting bending and stretching strains causing localized changes in pressure. In this study, a multi-layer polyurethane-fiber-prepared (MPF) sensor was developed by coating the CNT/PU sensing layer on the outside of an elastic electrode through a wet-film method. The entangled topology of two MPFs was utilized to convert the stretching strain into localized pressure at the contact area, enabling the perception of stretching strain. The influence of coating mechanical properties and surface structure on strain sensing performance was investigated. A force regulator was introduced to regulate the mechanical properties of the entangled topology of MPF. By modifying the thickness and length proportion of the force regulator, the sensitivity factor and sensitivity range of the sensor could be controlled, achieving a high sensitivity factor of up to 127.74 and a sensitivity range of up to 58%. Eight sensors were integrated into a sensor array and integrated into a dance costume, successfully monitoring the multi-axis motion of the dancer's lumbar spine. This provides a new approach for wearable biomechanical sensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weibing Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Textile Fiber and Products, Ministry of Education, Wuhan Textile University, Wuhan 430200, China; (W.Z.); (D.W.); (H.J.); (J.L.); (M.L.)
| | - Daiqing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Textile Fiber and Products, Ministry of Education, Wuhan Textile University, Wuhan 430200, China; (W.Z.); (D.W.); (H.J.); (J.L.); (M.L.)
| | - Yiming Ke
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China; (Y.K.); (X.M.)
| | - Xiaojuan Ming
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China; (Y.K.); (X.M.)
| | - Haiqing Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Textile Fiber and Products, Ministry of Education, Wuhan Textile University, Wuhan 430200, China; (W.Z.); (D.W.); (H.J.); (J.L.); (M.L.)
| | - Jiale Li
- Key Laboratory of Textile Fiber and Products, Ministry of Education, Wuhan Textile University, Wuhan 430200, China; (W.Z.); (D.W.); (H.J.); (J.L.); (M.L.)
| | - Mufang Li
- Key Laboratory of Textile Fiber and Products, Ministry of Education, Wuhan Textile University, Wuhan 430200, China; (W.Z.); (D.W.); (H.J.); (J.L.); (M.L.)
| | - Qianqian Chen
- Department of Physical Education, Wuhan Textile University, Wuhan 430200, China
| | - Dong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Textile Fiber and Products, Ministry of Education, Wuhan Textile University, Wuhan 430200, China; (W.Z.); (D.W.); (H.J.); (J.L.); (M.L.)
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China; (Y.K.); (X.M.)
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García-Jaén M, Sebastia-Amat S, Sanchis-Soler G, Cortell-Tormo JM. Lumbo-Pelvic Rhythm Monitoring Using Wearable Technology with Sensory Biofeedback: A Systematic Review. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:758. [PMID: 38610180 PMCID: PMC11012179 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12070758] [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: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
As an essential lower-back movement pattern, lumbo-pelvic rhythm (LPR) during forward trunk flexion and backward return has been investigated on a large scale. It has been suggested that abnormalities in lumbo-pelvic coordination are related to the risk of developing low back disorders. However, considerable differences in the approaches used to monitor LPR make it challenging to integrate findings from those investigations for future research. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review was to summarize the use of wearable technology for kinematic measurement with sensory biofeedback for LPR monitoring by assessing these technologies' specific capabilities and biofeedback capacities and exploring their practical viability based on sensor outcomes. The review was developed following the PRISMA guidelines, and the risk of bias was analyzed using the PREDro and STROBE scales. PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and IEEEXPLORE databases were searched for relevant studies, initially returning a total of 528 articles. Finally, we included eight articles featuring wearable devices with audio or vibration biofeedback. Differences in protocols and limitations were also observed. This novel study presents a review of wearable tracking devices for LPR motion-mediated biofeedback for the purpose of correcting lower back posture. More research is needed to determine the long-term effectiveness of these devices, as well as their most appropriate corresponding methodologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel García-Jaén
- Department of General and Specific Didactics, University of Alicante, 03690 San Vicente del Raspeig, Spain; (M.G.-J.); (S.S.-A.); (J.M.C.-T.)
- Health, Physical Activity and Sports Technology (HEALTH-TECH), University of Alicante, 03690 San Vicente del Raspeig, Spain
| | - Sergio Sebastia-Amat
- Department of General and Specific Didactics, University of Alicante, 03690 San Vicente del Raspeig, Spain; (M.G.-J.); (S.S.-A.); (J.M.C.-T.)
- Health, Physical Activity and Sports Technology (HEALTH-TECH), University of Alicante, 03690 San Vicente del Raspeig, Spain
| | - Gema Sanchis-Soler
- Department of General and Specific Didactics, University of Alicante, 03690 San Vicente del Raspeig, Spain; (M.G.-J.); (S.S.-A.); (J.M.C.-T.)
- Health, Physical Activity and Sports Technology (HEALTH-TECH), University of Alicante, 03690 San Vicente del Raspeig, Spain
| | - Juan Manuel Cortell-Tormo
- Department of General and Specific Didactics, University of Alicante, 03690 San Vicente del Raspeig, Spain; (M.G.-J.); (S.S.-A.); (J.M.C.-T.)
- Health, Physical Activity and Sports Technology (HEALTH-TECH), University of Alicante, 03690 San Vicente del Raspeig, Spain
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García-Luna MA, Jimenez-Olmedo JM, Pueo B, Manchado C, Cortell-Tormo JM. Concurrent Validity of the Ergotex Device for Measuring Low Back Posture. Bioengineering (Basel) 2024; 11:98. [PMID: 38275578 PMCID: PMC10812927 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering11010098] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Highlighting the crucial role of monitoring and quantifying lumbopelvic rhythm for spinal curvature, the Ergotex IMU, a portable, lightweight, cost-effective, and energy-efficient technology, has been specifically designed for the pelvic and lumbar area. This study investigates the concurrent validity of the Ergotex device in measuring sagittal pelvic tilt angle. We utilized an observational, repeated measures design with healthy adult males (mean age: 39.3 ± 7.6 y, body mass: 82.2 ± 13.0 kg, body height: 179 ± 8 cm), comparing Ergotex with a 3D optical tracking system. Participants performed pelvic tilt movements in anterior, neutral, and posterior conditions. Statistical analysis included paired samples t-tests, Bland-Altman plots, and regression analysis. The findings show minimal systematic error (0.08° overall) and high agreement between the Ergotex and optical tracking, with most data points falling within limits of agreement of Bland-Altman plots (around ±2°). Significant differences were observed only in the anterior condition (0.35°, p < 0.05), with trivial effect sizes (ES = 0.08), indicating that these differences may not be clinically meaningful. The high Pearson's correlation coefficients across conditions underscore a robust linear relationship between devices (r > 0.9 for all conditions). Regression analysis showed a standard error of estimate (SEE) of 1.1° with small effect (standardized SEE < 0.26 for all conditions), meaning that the expected average deviation from the true value is around 1°. These findings validate the Ergotex as an effective, portable, and cost-efficient tool for assessing sagittal pelvic tilt, with practical implications in clinical and sports settings where traditional methods might be impractical or costly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco A. García-Luna
- Health, Physical Activity, and Sports Technology Research Group, Faculty of Education, University of Alicante, 03690 San Vicente del Raspeig, Spain; (M.A.G.-L.); (B.P.), (J.M.C.-T.)
| | - Jose M. Jimenez-Olmedo
- Health, Physical Activity, and Sports Technology Research Group, Faculty of Education, University of Alicante, 03690 San Vicente del Raspeig, Spain; (M.A.G.-L.); (B.P.), (J.M.C.-T.)
| | - Basilio Pueo
- Health, Physical Activity, and Sports Technology Research Group, Faculty of Education, University of Alicante, 03690 San Vicente del Raspeig, Spain; (M.A.G.-L.); (B.P.), (J.M.C.-T.)
| | - Carmen Manchado
- Sports Coaching and Performance Research Group, Faculty of Education, University of Alicante, 03690 San Vicente del Raspeig, Spain;
| | - Juan M. Cortell-Tormo
- Health, Physical Activity, and Sports Technology Research Group, Faculty of Education, University of Alicante, 03690 San Vicente del Raspeig, Spain; (M.A.G.-L.); (B.P.), (J.M.C.-T.)
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Kaczmarek W, Pulik Ł, Łęgosz P, Mucha K. Mobility Analysis of the Lumbar Spine with a Dynamic Spine-Correction Device. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:1940. [PMID: 36850539 PMCID: PMC9965779 DOI: 10.3390/s23041940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
According to data, 60-70% of the world's population experience low-back pain (LBP) at least once during their lifetime, often at a young or middle age. Those affected are at risk of having worse quality of life, more missed days at work, and higher medical care costs. We present a new rehabilitation method that helps collect and analyze data on an ongoing basis and offers a more personalized therapeutic approach. This method involves assessing lumbar spine rotation (L1-L5) during torso movement using an innovative dynamic spine correction (DSC) device designed for postural neuromuscular reeducation in LBP. Spinal mobility was tested in 54 patients (aged 18 to 40 years) without LBP. Measurements were made with 12-bit rotary position sensors (AS5304) of the DSC device. During exercise, the mean lumbar spine rotation to the right was greater (4.78° ± 2.24°) than that to the left (2.99° ± 1.44°; p < 0.001). Similarly, the maximum rotation to the right was greater (11.35° ± 3.33°) than that to the left (7.42° ± 1.44°; p < 0.0001). The measurements obtained in the study can serve as a reference for future therapeutic use of the device.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Łukasz Pulik
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-005 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Paweł Łęgosz
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-005 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Mucha
- Department of Immunology, Transplantology and Internal Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-006 Warsaw, Poland
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Review of Real-Time Biomechanical Feedback Systems in Sport and Rehabilitation. SENSORS 2022; 22:s22083006. [PMID: 35458991 PMCID: PMC9028061 DOI: 10.3390/s22083006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Real-time biomechanical feedback (BMF) is a relatively new area of research. The potential of using advanced technology to improve motion skills in sport and accelerate physical rehabilitation has been demonstrated in a number of studies. This paper provides a literature review of BMF systems in sports and rehabilitation. Our motivation was to examine the history of the field to capture its evolution over time, particularly how technologies are used and implemented in BMF systems, and to identify the most recent studies showing novel solutions and remarkable implementations. We searched for papers in three research databases: Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed. The initial search yielded 1167 unique papers. After a rigorous and challenging exclusion process, 144 papers were eventually included in this report. We focused on papers describing applications and systems that implement a complete real-time feedback loop, which must include the use of sensors, real-time processing, and concurrent feedback. A number of research questions were raised, and the papers were studied and evaluated accordingly. We identified different types of physical activities, sensors, modalities, actuators, communications, settings and end users. A subset of the included papers, showing the most perspectives, was reviewed in depth to highlight and present their innovative research approaches and techniques. Real-time BMF has great potential in many areas. In recent years, sensors have been the main focus of these studies, but new types of processing devices, methods, and algorithms, actuators, and communication technologies and protocols will be explored in more depth in the future. This paper presents a broad insight into the field of BMF.
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Ferrone A, García Patiño A, Menon C. Low Back Pain-Behavior Correction by Providing Haptic Feedbacks: A Preliminary Investigation. SENSORS 2021; 21:s21217158. [PMID: 34770464 PMCID: PMC8587551 DOI: 10.3390/s21217158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The activities performed by nurses in their daily activities involve frequent forward bending and awkward back postures. These movements contribute to the prevalence and development of low back pain (LBP). In previous studies, it has been shown that modifying their posture by education and training in proper lifting techniques decreases the prevalence of LBP. However, this education and training needs to be implemented daily. Hence, implementing the use of a wearable device to monitor the back posture with haptic feedback would be of importance to prevent LBP. This paper proposes a wearable device to monitor the back posture of the user and provide feedback when the participant is performing a possible hurtful movement. In this study, a group of participants was asked to wear the device while performing three of the most common activities performed by nurses. The study was divided into three sessions: In the first session, the participants performed the activities without feedback (baseline). During the second session, the participants received feedback from the wearable device (training) while performing the three tasks. Finally, for the third session, the participants performed the three tasks again, but the haptic feedback was turned off (validation). We found an improvement in the posture of more than 40% for the pitch (lateral bending) and roll (forward/backward bending) axes and 7% for the yaw (twisting) axis when comparing to the results from session 1 and session 2. The comparison between session 1 and session 3 showed an overall improvement of more than 50% for the pitch (lateral bending) and roll (forward/backward bending) axes and more than 20% for the yaw axis. These results hinted at the impact of the haptic feedback on the participants to correct their posture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Ferrone
- Menrva Research Group, Schools of Mechatronic Systems & Engineering Science, Simon Fraser University, Metro Vancouver, BC V5A 1S6, Canada; (A.F.); (A.G.P.)
| | - Astrid García Patiño
- Menrva Research Group, Schools of Mechatronic Systems & Engineering Science, Simon Fraser University, Metro Vancouver, BC V5A 1S6, Canada; (A.F.); (A.G.P.)
| | - Carlo Menon
- Menrva Research Group, Schools of Mechatronic Systems & Engineering Science, Simon Fraser University, Metro Vancouver, BC V5A 1S6, Canada; (A.F.); (A.G.P.)
- Biomedical and Mobile Health Technology Lab, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Lengghalde 5, 8008 Zurich, Switzerland
- Correspondence: or
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Lee R, James C, Edwards S, Skinner G, Young JL, Snodgrass SJ. Evidence for the Effectiveness of Feedback from Wearable Inertial Sensors during Work-Related Activities: A Scoping Review. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 21:6377. [PMID: 34640695 PMCID: PMC8512480 DOI: 10.3390/s21196377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Background: Wearable inertial sensor technology (WIST) systems provide feedback, aiming to modify aberrant postures and movements. The literature on the effects of feedback from WIST during work or work-related activities has not been previously summarised. This review examines the effectiveness of feedback on 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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger Lee
- School of Health Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle 2308, Australia; (C.J.); (S.J.S.)
- Centre for Brain and Mental Health Research, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle 2308, Australia
| | - Carole James
- School of Health Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle 2308, Australia; (C.J.); (S.J.S.)
- Centre for Resources Health and Safety, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle 2308, Australia
| | - Suzi Edwards
- School of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia;
| | - Geoff Skinner
- School of Information and Physical Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle 2308, Australia;
| | - Jodi L. Young
- Department of Physical Therapy, Bellin College, Green Bay, WI 54311, USA;
| | - Suzanne J. Snodgrass
- School of Health Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle 2308, Australia; (C.J.); (S.J.S.)
- Centre for Brain and Mental Health Research, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle 2308, Australia
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Monitoring Lower Back Activity in Daily Life Using Small Unintrusive Sensors and Wearable Electronics in the Context of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases. SENSORS 2021; 21:s21196362. [PMID: 34640678 PMCID: PMC8512552 DOI: 10.3390/s21196362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Due to a sedentary lifestyle, the amount of people suffering from musculoskeletal back diseases has increased over the last few decades. To monitor and cure these disabilities, sensors able to monitor the patient for long-term measurement during daily life and able to provide real-time feedback are required. There are only a few wearable systems that are capable to acquire muscle activity (sEMG) and posture at the same time. Moreover, previously reported systems do not target back sensor and typically comprise bulky uncomfortable solutions. In this paper, we present a new wearable sensor network that is designed to measure muscle activity and posture specialized for back measurement. Special care was taken to propose a discrete and comfortable solution. The prototype only measures 3.1 mm in thickness on the spine, making this sensor system the thinnest and lightest one in the literature to our best knowledge. After testing, it was shown that the sensor system is able to acquire two surface electromyography signals concurrently, to gather acceleration and rotation speed from the patient's lower back, and to transmit data to a computer or a smartphone via serial communication or Bluetooth low energy for a few hours for later processing and analysis.
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García Patiño A, Khoshnam M, Menon C. Wearable Device to Monitor Back Movements Using an Inductive Textile Sensor. SENSORS 2020; 20:s20030905. [PMID: 32046237 PMCID: PMC7038988 DOI: 10.3390/s20030905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Low back pain (LBP) is the most common work-related musculoskeletal disorder among healthcare workers and is directly related to long hours of working in twisted/bent postures or with awkward trunk movements. It has already been established that providing relevant feedback helps individuals to maintain better body posture during the activities of daily living. With the goal of preventing LBP through objective monitoring of back posture, this paper proposes a wireless, comfortable, and compact textile-based wearable platform to track trunk movements when the user bends forward. The smart garment developed for this purpose was prototyped with an inductive sensor formed by sewing a copper wire into an elastic fabric in a zigzag pattern. The results of an extensive simulation study showed that this unique design increases the inductance value of the sensor, and, consequently, improves its resolution. Furthermore, experimental evaluation on a healthy participant confirmed that the proposed wearable system with the suggested sensor design can easily detect forward bending movements. The evaluation scenario was then extended to also include twisting and lateral bending of the trunk, and it was observed that the proposed design can successfully discriminate such movements from forward bending of the trunk. Results of the magnetic interference test showed that, most notably, moving a cellphone towards the unworn prototype affects sensor readings, however, manipulating a cellphone, when wearing the prototype, did not affect the capability of the sensor in detecting forward bends. The proposed platform is a promising step toward developing wearable systems to monitor back posture in order to prevent or treat LBP.
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