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Das PS, Skaf D, Rose L, Motaghedi F, Carmichael TB, Rondeau-Gagné S, Ahamed MJ. Gait Pattern Analysis: Integration of a Highly Sensitive Flexible Pressure Sensor on a Wireless Instrumented Insole. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 24:2944. [PMID: 38733050 PMCID: PMC11086061 DOI: 10.3390/s24092944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Gait phase monitoring wearable sensors play a crucial role in assessing both health and athletic performance, offering valuable insights into an individual's gait pattern. In this study, we introduced a simple and cost-effective capacitive gait sensor manufacturing approach, utilizing a micropatterned polydimethylsiloxane dielectric layer placed between screen-printed silver electrodes. The sensor demonstrated inherent stretchability and durability, even when the electrode was bent at a 45-degree angle, it maintained an electrode resistance of approximately 3 Ω. This feature is particularly advantageous for gait monitoring applications. Furthermore, the fabricated flexible capacitive pressure sensor exhibited higher sensitivity and linearity at both low and high pressure and displayed very good stability. Notably, the sensors demonstrated rapid response and recovery times for both under low and high pressure. To further explore the capabilities of these new sensors, they were successfully tested as insole-type pressure sensors for real-time gait signal monitoring. The sensors displayed a well-balanced combination of sensitivity and response time, making them well-suited for gait analysis. Beyond gait analysis, the proposed sensor holds the potential for a wide range of applications within biomedical, sports, and commercial systems where soft and conformable sensors are preferred.
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Affiliation(s)
- Partha Sarati Das
- Mechanical, Automotive & Materials Engineering, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON N9B 3P4, Canada; (P.S.D.)
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON N9B 3P4, Canada
| | - Daniella Skaf
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON N9B 3P4, Canada
| | - Lina Rose
- Mechanical, Automotive & Materials Engineering, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON N9B 3P4, Canada; (P.S.D.)
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON N9B 3P4, Canada
| | - Fatemeh Motaghedi
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON N9B 3P4, Canada
| | - Tricia Breen Carmichael
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON N9B 3P4, Canada
| | - Simon Rondeau-Gagné
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON N9B 3P4, Canada
| | - Mohammed Jalal Ahamed
- Mechanical, Automotive & Materials Engineering, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON N9B 3P4, Canada; (P.S.D.)
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González-Castro A, Leirós-Rodríguez R, Prada-García C, Benítez-Andrades JA. The Applications of Artificial Intelligence for Assessing Fall Risk: Systematic Review. J Med Internet Res 2024; 26:e54934. [PMID: 38684088 DOI: 10.2196/54934] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Falls and their consequences are a serious public health problem worldwide. Each year, 37.3 million falls requiring medical attention occur. Therefore, the analysis of fall risk is of great importance for prevention. Artificial intelligence (AI) represents an innovative tool for creating predictive statistical models of fall risk through data analysis. OBJECTIVE The aim of this review was to analyze the available evidence on the applications of AI in the analysis of data related to postural control and fall risk. METHODS A literature search was conducted in 6 databases with the following inclusion criteria: the articles had to be published within the last 5 years (from 2018 to 2024), they had to apply some method of AI, AI analyses had to be applied to data from samples consisting of humans, and the analyzed sample had to consist of individuals with independent walking with or without the assistance of external orthopedic devices. RESULTS We obtained a total of 3858 articles, of which 22 were finally selected. Data extraction for subsequent analysis varied in the different studies: 82% (18/22) of them extracted data through tests or functional assessments, and the remaining 18% (4/22) of them extracted through existing medical records. Different AI techniques were used throughout the articles. All the research included in the review obtained accuracy values of >70% in the predictive models obtained through AI. CONCLUSIONS The use of AI proves to be a valuable tool for creating predictive models of fall risk. The use of this tool could have a significant socioeconomic impact as it enables the development of low-cost predictive models with a high level of accuracy. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42023443277; https://tinyurl.com/4sb72ssv.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana González-Castro
- Nursing and Physical Therapy Department, Universidad de León, Ponferrada, Spain
| | - Raquel Leirós-Rodríguez
- SALBIS Research Group, Nursing and Physical Therapy Department, Universidad de León, Ponferrada, Spain
| | - Camino Prada-García
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
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Neves AB, Martins R, Matela N, Atalaia T. PosturAll: A Posture Assessment Software for Children. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:1171. [PMID: 37892901 PMCID: PMC10603916 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10101171] [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: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
From an early age, people are exposed to risk factors that can lead to musculoskeletal disorders like low back pain, neck pain and scoliosis. Medical screenings at an early age might minimize their incidence. The study intends to improve a software that processes images of patients, using specific anatomical sites to obtain risk indicators for possible musculoskeletal problems. This project was divided into four phases. First, markers and body metrics were selected for the postural assessment. Second, the software's capacity to detect the markers and run optimization tests was evaluated. Third, data were acquired from a population to validate the results using clinical software. Fourth, the classifiers' performance with the acquired data was analyzed. Green markers with diameters of 20 mm were used to optimize the software. The postural assessment using different types of cameras was conducted via the blob detection method. In the optimization tests, the angle parameters were the most influenced parameters. The data acquired showed that the postural analysis results were statistically equivalent. For the classifiers, the study population had 16 subjects with no evidence of postural problems, 25 with mild evidence and 16 with moderate-to-severe evidence. In general, using a binary classification with the train/test split validation method provided better results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Beatriz Neves
- Instituto de Biofísica e Engenharia Biomédica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal;
| | - Rodrigo Martins
- Escola Superior De Saúde Da Cruz Vermelha Portuguesa, 1300-125 Lisboa, Portugal; (R.M.); (T.A.)
| | - Nuno Matela
- Instituto de Biofísica e Engenharia Biomédica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal;
| | - Tiago Atalaia
- Escola Superior De Saúde Da Cruz Vermelha Portuguesa, 1300-125 Lisboa, Portugal; (R.M.); (T.A.)
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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: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 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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García-Liñeira J, Leirós-Rodríguez R, Romo-Pérez V, García-Soidán JL. Accelerometric analysis of trunk acceleration during gait analysis in children between 6 and 11 years old: A cross-sectional study. Heliyon 2023; 9:e17541. [PMID: 37455952 PMCID: PMC10338309 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e17541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Gait analysis in children with accelerometers is of special interest in daily clinical practice, as it eliminates possible biases related to the assessor and is not very sensitivity of visual analysis. The sensitivity of data collection by these instruments makes it possible to evaluate the efficiency of body movements during gait and to better understand the degree of motor development in childhood, assessing progress within normal developmental parameters or detecting possible deficits. Research question What are the accelerations of the center of mass during normal gait in children aged 6-11 years? Methods Descriptive cross-sectional study conducted with a total of 283 school children (girls = 142). The analyzed variables were the mean and maximum values obtained in each of the three body axes and their root mean square during normal gait 10 m out, turn and 10 m back over firm ground in a straight line three times. Results The accelerometric data obtained showed similar values between sexes in each of the age sub-groups analyzed. Except for the medial-lateral axis in children aged 10-11 years where differences between sexes were detected (being significantly lower in girls). A reduction in medial-lateral axis average values over the years was also identified in both sexes. The regression models generated for the average accelerometric values showed significant values only in the average value of the medial-lateral axis. However, the maximum values were significant in all cases. Significance The preferred motor strategies of boys and girls during gait include developing mainly control and adjustment movements in the frontal plane (hence the high magnitudes recorded there). Flexion-extension movements are the most reduced over the six years of age analyzed, particularly in girls. Conversely, rotational movements are the most constant in speed in both sexes and all age subgroups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús García-Liñeira
- Faculty of Education and Sport Sciences, University of Vigo, Campus a Xunqueira, s/n, 36005, Pontevedra, Spain
| | - Raquel Leirós-Rodríguez
- SALBIS Research Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, Nursing and Physical Therapy Department, University of León, Ave. Astorga, 15, 24401, Ponferrada, Spain
| | - Vicente Romo-Pérez
- Faculty of Education and Sport Sciences, University of Vigo, Campus a Xunqueira, s/n, 36005, Pontevedra, Spain
| | - Jose L. García-Soidán
- Faculty of Education and Sport Sciences, University of Vigo, Campus a Xunqueira, s/n, 36005, Pontevedra, Spain
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Long-Term Effect of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy on Gait and Functional Balance Skills in Cerebral Palsy Children-A Randomized Clinical Trial. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:children10020394. [PMID: 36832523 PMCID: PMC9955998 DOI: 10.3390/children10020394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to explore the long-term effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on spatiotemporal gait parameters and functional balance in children with cerebral palsy. Thirty-nine children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy were randomly allocated to one of two groups: control or study. The children in both groups received traditional physical therapy three times per week for six months. In addition, the children in the study group received hyperbaric oxygen therapy five times/week for eight weeks. The GAITRite system and pediatric balance scale were used to assess spatiotemporal gait parameters and functional balance at baseline, post-intervention, and six months after the cessation of hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Post-intervention means of all measured parameters were significantly higher than pre-intervention means, but only for the study group (p < 0.05). However, both groups' means at the six-month follow up were significantly greater than those at pre-intervention (p < 0.05). At the post-intervention and follow-up evaluations, comparisons between groups revealed a statistically significant difference in all measured parameters for the study group against the control group (p < 0.05). It can be concluded that adding hyperbaric oxygen therapy to physical therapy rehabilitation could be effective in improving spatiotemporal gait parameters and functional balance in children with cerebral palsy.
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Samsonova TV, Krivonogov VA, Nazarov SB, Ryl’skaya YA. Assessment of postural control in children. ROSSIYSKIY VESTNIK PERINATOLOGII I PEDIATRII (RUSSIAN BULLETIN OF PERINATOLOGY AND PEDIATRICS) 2022. [DOI: 10.21508/1027-4065-2022-67-5-27-33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The relevance of the study is due to the high incidence of postural control impairment in patients with neurological diseases and lack of common approaches to their diagnosing in children. In this article we show the main stages in the formation of postural control and mechanisms of balance maintaining in childhood. We assessed the information content of existing clinical scales used to study components of postural balance in children in clinical practice. Also, we studied the diagnostic significance of functional methods for assessing postural control. Particular attention we paid to the study of the diagnostic significance of computer posturography (stabilometry) and accelerometry. We identified the main clinical and functional diagnostic markers of postural imbalance in children of different age and nosological groups. Further research in this area will make it possible to develop the most objective criteria for impaired postural control in childhood, which will increase the effectiveness of treatment and rehabilitation measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- T. V. Samsonova
- Gorodkov Ivanovo Research Institute of Maternity and Childhood
| | | | - S. B. Nazarov
- Gorodkov Ivanovo Research Institute of Maternity and Childhood
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García-Liñeira J, Leirós-Rodríguez R, Chinchilla-Minguet JL, García-Soidán JL. Influence of Visual Information and Sex on Postural Control in Children Aged 6-12 Years Assessed with Accelerometric Technology. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11040637. [PMID: 33916076 PMCID: PMC8067225 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11040637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The performance of postural control is believed to be linked to how children use available sensory stimuli to produce adequate muscular activation. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to thoroughly explore postural stability under normal conditions and without visual information in postural control in children aged 6–12 years during static single-leg support. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 316 children (girls = 158). The analyzed variables were the mean and maximum values obtained in each of the three body axes and their root mean square during two static single-leg support tests: one with eyes open and one with eyes closed. Girls showed lower magnitudes in the recorded accelerations at all ages and in all the variables of both tests. Accelerations during the tests showed progressively lower values from 6 to 12 years of age. The sex had a significant influence on the magnitude obtained in the accelerations recorded during the tests. Improvements in balance with increasing age were greater with visual information than without visual information. The tests of single-leg support showed preferential sensorimotor strategies in boys and girls: boys tend to rely more on visual inputs, and girls process somesthetic information in a preferential way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús García-Liñeira
- Faculty of Education and Sport Sciences, Campus a Xunqueira, University of Vigo, 36005 Pontevedra, Spain; (J.G.-L.); (J.L.G.-S.)
| | - Raquel Leirós-Rodríguez
- SALBIS Research Group, Nursing and Physical Therapy Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad de León, Ave. Astorga, 15, 24401 Ponferrada, Spain
- Correspondence:
| | | | - José Luis García-Soidán
- Faculty of Education and Sport Sciences, Campus a Xunqueira, University of Vigo, 36005 Pontevedra, Spain; (J.G.-L.); (J.L.G.-S.)
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Chen B, Liu P, Xiao F, Liu Z, Wang Y. Review of the Upright Balance Assessment Based on the Force Plate. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18052696. [PMID: 33800119 PMCID: PMC7967421 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18052696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Quantitative assessment is crucial for the evaluation of human postural balance. The force plate system is the key quantitative balance assessment method. The purpose of this study is to review the important concepts in balance assessment and analyze the experimental conditions, parameter variables, and application scope based on force plate technology. As there is a wide range of balance assessment tests and a variety of commercial force plate systems to choose from, there is room for further improvement of the test details and evaluation variables of the balance assessment. The recommendations presented in this article are the foundation and key part of the postural balance assessment; these recommendations focus on the type of force plate, the subject's foot posture, and the choice of assessment variables, which further enriches the content of posturography. In order to promote a more reasonable balance assessment method based on force plates, further methodological research and a stronger consensus are still needed.
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García-Liñeira J, Leirós-Rodríguez R, Romo-Pérez V, García-Soidán JL. Validity and Reliability of a Tool for Accelerometric Assessment of Balance in Scholar Children. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10010137. [PMID: 33401541 PMCID: PMC7795715 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10010137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In Pediatrics, balance is assessed through low-sensitivity clinical tests which identify developmental alterations at already advanced stages that cannot be detected at earlier stages. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop an easily applicable quantitative tool that can be used to evaluate postural control. Consequently, a cross-sectional study was carried out with 91 healthy children. All of them performed a series of six accelerometric functional tests and four clinical tests of balance (Modified Flamingo Test, Bar Test, Babinski-Weil Test, and Fukuda Stepping Test). The Bar Test obtained mild inverse correlations with accelerations produced in the mediolateral axis and the root mean square of all the tests in monopodal support. The Flamingo Test obtained direct correlations with the root mean square of the tests in monopodal support and with the mediolateral axis of the monopodal tests and gait. The pediatric balance assessment scale consists of three factors and eleven items extracted from five accelerometric functional tests: the monopodal balance test with six items, normal gait test with three items, and bipodal balance test with two items. This tool is easy to apply and allows analysis in the evaluation of the balance state based on the accelerations of the center of mass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús García-Liñeira
- Faculty of Education and Sport Sciences, Universidade de Vigo, Campus a Xunqueira, s/n, 36005 Pontevedra, Spain; (J.G.-L.); (V.R.-P.); (J.L.G.-S.)
| | - Raquel Leirós-Rodríguez
- Nursing and Physical Therapy Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad de León, Ave. Astorga, 15, 24401 Ponferrada, Spain
- Correspondence:
| | - Vicente Romo-Pérez
- Faculty of Education and Sport Sciences, Universidade de Vigo, Campus a Xunqueira, s/n, 36005 Pontevedra, Spain; (J.G.-L.); (V.R.-P.); (J.L.G.-S.)
| | - Jose L. García-Soidán
- Faculty of Education and Sport Sciences, Universidade de Vigo, Campus a Xunqueira, s/n, 36005 Pontevedra, Spain; (J.G.-L.); (V.R.-P.); (J.L.G.-S.)
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