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Shakourisalim M, Martinez KB, Golabchi A, Tavakoli M, Rouhani H. Estimation of lower back muscle force in a lifting task using wearable IMUs. J Biomech 2024; 167:112077. [PMID: 38599020 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2024.112077] [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: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Low back pain is commonly reported in occupational settings due to factors such as heavy lifting and poor ergonomic practices, often resulting in significant healthcare expenses and lowered productivity. Assessment tools for human motion and ergonomic risk at the workplace are still limited. Therefore, this study aimed to assess lower back muscle and joint reaction forces in laboratory conditions using wearable inertial measurement units (IMUs) during weight lifting, a frequently high-risk workplace task. Ten able-bodied participants were instructed to lift a 28 lbs. box while surface electromyography sensors, IMUs, and a camera-based motion capture system recorded their muscle activity and body motion. The data recorded by IMUs and motion capture system were used to estimate lower back muscle and joint reaction forces via musculoskeletal modeling. Lower back muscle patterns matched well with electromyography recordings. The normalized mean absolute differences between muscle forces estimated based on measurements of IMUs and cameras were less than 25 %, and the statistical parametric mapping results indicated no significant difference between the forces estimated by both systems. However, abrupt changes in motion, such as lifting initiation, led to significant differences (p < 0.05) between the muscle forces. Furthermore, the maximum L5-S1 joint reaction force estimated using IMU data was significantly lower (p < 0.05) than those estimated by cameras during weight lifting and lowering. The study showed how kinematic errors from IMUs propagated through the musculoskeletal model and affected the estimations of muscle forces and joint reaction forces. Our findings showed the potential of IMUs for in-field ergonomic risk evaluations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Shakourisalim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Karla Beltran Martinez
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Ali Golabchi
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada; EWI Works International Inc., Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Mahdi Tavakoli
- Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Hossein Rouhani
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada; Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, Edmonton, AB T5G 0B7, Canada.
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Figueira V, Silva S, Costa I, Campos B, Salgado J, Pinho L, Freitas M, Carvalho P, Marques J, Pinho F. Wearables for Monitoring and Postural Feedback in the Work Context: A Scoping Review. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 24:1341. [PMID: 38400498 PMCID: PMC10893004 DOI: 10.3390/s24041341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Wearables offer a promising solution for simultaneous posture monitoring and/or corrective feedback. The main objective was to identify, synthesise, and characterise the wearables used in the workplace to monitor and postural feedback to workers. The PRISMA-ScR guidelines were followed. Studies were included between 1 January 2000 and 22 March 2023 in Spanish, French, English, and Portuguese without geographical restriction. The databases selected for the research were PubMed®, Web of Science®, Scopus®, and Google Scholar®. Qualitative studies, theses, reviews, and meta-analyses were excluded. Twelve studies were included, involving a total of 304 workers, mostly health professionals (n = 8). The remaining studies covered workers in the industry (n = 2), in the construction (n = 1), and welders (n = 1). For assessment purposes, most studies used one (n = 5) or two sensors (n = 5) characterised as accelerometers (n = 7), sixaxial (n = 2) or nonaxialinertial measurement units (n = 3). The most common source of feedback was the sensor itself (n = 6) or smartphones (n = 4). Haptic feedback was the most prevalent (n = 6), followed by auditory (n = 5) and visual (n = 3). Most studies employed prototype wearables emphasising kinematic variables of human movement. Healthcare professionals were the primary focus of the study along with haptic feedback that proved to be the most common and effective method for correcting posture during work activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vânia Figueira
- Escola Superior de Saúde do Vale do Ave, Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário, Rua José António Vidal, 81, 4760-409 Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal; (S.S.); (I.C.); (B.C.); (J.S.); (L.P.); (M.F.); (J.M.); (F.P.)
- H2M—Health and Human Movement Unit, Polytechnic University of Health, Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário, CRL 4760-409 Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal
- Research Centre in Physical Activity, Health and Leisure, Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Plácido da Costa, 91, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
| | - Sandra Silva
- Escola Superior de Saúde do Vale do Ave, Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário, Rua José António Vidal, 81, 4760-409 Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal; (S.S.); (I.C.); (B.C.); (J.S.); (L.P.); (M.F.); (J.M.); (F.P.)
- H2M—Health and Human Movement Unit, Polytechnic University of Health, Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário, CRL 4760-409 Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal
- School of Health Sciences, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Inês Costa
- Escola Superior de Saúde do Vale do Ave, Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário, Rua José António Vidal, 81, 4760-409 Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal; (S.S.); (I.C.); (B.C.); (J.S.); (L.P.); (M.F.); (J.M.); (F.P.)
| | - Bruna Campos
- Escola Superior de Saúde do Vale do Ave, Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário, Rua José António Vidal, 81, 4760-409 Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal; (S.S.); (I.C.); (B.C.); (J.S.); (L.P.); (M.F.); (J.M.); (F.P.)
| | - João Salgado
- Escola Superior de Saúde do Vale do Ave, Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário, Rua José António Vidal, 81, 4760-409 Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal; (S.S.); (I.C.); (B.C.); (J.S.); (L.P.); (M.F.); (J.M.); (F.P.)
| | - Liliana Pinho
- Escola Superior de Saúde do Vale do Ave, Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário, Rua José António Vidal, 81, 4760-409 Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal; (S.S.); (I.C.); (B.C.); (J.S.); (L.P.); (M.F.); (J.M.); (F.P.)
- H2M—Health and Human Movement Unit, Polytechnic University of Health, Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário, CRL 4760-409 Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal
- Research Centre in Physical Activity, Health and Leisure, Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Plácido da Costa, 91, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
- Center for Rehabilitation Research (Cir), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida 400, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
| | - Marta Freitas
- Escola Superior de Saúde do Vale do Ave, Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário, Rua José António Vidal, 81, 4760-409 Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal; (S.S.); (I.C.); (B.C.); (J.S.); (L.P.); (M.F.); (J.M.); (F.P.)
- H2M—Health and Human Movement Unit, Polytechnic University of Health, Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário, CRL 4760-409 Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal
- Research Centre in Physical Activity, Health and Leisure, Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Plácido da Costa, 91, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
- Center for Rehabilitation Research (Cir), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida 400, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
| | - Paulo Carvalho
- Center for Translational Health and Medical Biotechnology Research, School of Health, Polytechnic Institute of Porto, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal;
| | - João Marques
- Escola Superior de Saúde do Vale do Ave, Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário, Rua José António Vidal, 81, 4760-409 Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal; (S.S.); (I.C.); (B.C.); (J.S.); (L.P.); (M.F.); (J.M.); (F.P.)
- H2M—Health and Human Movement Unit, Polytechnic University of Health, Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário, CRL 4760-409 Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal
| | - Francisco Pinho
- Escola Superior de Saúde do Vale do Ave, Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário, Rua José António Vidal, 81, 4760-409 Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal; (S.S.); (I.C.); (B.C.); (J.S.); (L.P.); (M.F.); (J.M.); (F.P.)
- H2M—Health and Human Movement Unit, Polytechnic University of Health, Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário, CRL 4760-409 Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal
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Haddas R, Lawlor M, Moghadam E, Fields A, Wood A. Spine patient care with wearable medical technology: state-of-the-art, opportunities, and challenges: a systematic review. Spine J 2023; 23:929-944. [PMID: 36893918 DOI: 10.1016/j.spinee.2023.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CONTEXT Healthcare reforms that demand quantitative outcomes and technical innovations have emphasized the use of Disability and Functional Outcome Measurements (DFOMs) to spinal conditions and interventions. Virtual healthcare has become increasingly important following the COVID-19 pandemic and wearable medical devices have proven to be a useful adjunct. Thus, given the advancement of wearable technology, broad adoption of commercial devices (ie, smartwatches, phone applications, and wearable monitors) by the general public, and the growing demand from consumers to take control of their health, the medical industry is now primed to formally incorporate evidence-based wearable device-mediated telehealth into standards of care. PURPOSE To (1) identify all wearable devices in the peer-reviewed literature that were used to assess DFOMs in Spine, (2) analyze clinical studies implementing such devices in spine care, and (3) provide clinical commentary on how such devices might be integrated into standards of care. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING A systematic review. METHODS A comprehensive systematic review was conducted in adherence to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Guidelines (PRISMA) across the following databases: PubMed; MEDLINE; EMBASE (Elsevier); and Scopus. Articles related to wearables systems in spine healthcare were selected. Extracted data was collected as per a predetermined checklist including wearable device type, study design, and clinical indices studied. RESULTS Of the 2,646 publications that were initially screened, 55 were extensively analyzed and selected for retrieval. Ultimately 39 publications were identified as being suitable for inclusion based on the relevance of their content to the core objectives of this systematic review. The most relevant studies were included, with a focus on wearables technologies that can be used in patients' home environments. CONCLUSIONS Wearable technologies mentioned in this paper have the potential to revolutionize spine healthcare through their ability to collect data continuously and in any environment. In this paper, the vast majority of wearable spine devices rely exclusively on accelerometers. Thus, these metrics provide information about general health rather than specific impairments caused by spinal conditions. As wearable technology becomes more prevalent in orthopedics, healthcare costs may be reduced and patient outcomes will improve. A combination of DFOMs gathered using a wearable device in conjunction with patient-reported outcomes and radiographic measurements will provide a comprehensive evaluation of a spine patient's health and assist the physician with patient-specific treatment decision-making. Establishing these ubiquitous diagnostic capabilities will allow improvement in patient monitoring and help us learn about postoperative recovery and the impact of our interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ram Haddas
- University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA.
| | - Mark Lawlor
- University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Ehsan Moghadam
- University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Andrew Fields
- Medtronic Spine & Biologics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
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Moyen-Sylvestre B, Goubault É, Begon M, Côté JN, Bouffard J, Dal Maso F. Power Spectrum of Acceleration and Angular Velocity Signals as Indicators of Muscle Fatigue during Upper Limb Low-Load Repetitive Tasks. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 22:s22208008. [PMID: 36298357 PMCID: PMC9608815 DOI: 10.3390/s22208008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Muscle fatigue is a risk factor for developing musculoskeletal disorders during low-load repetitive tasks. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of muscle fatigue on power spectrum changes of upper limb and trunk acceleration and angular velocity during a repetitive pointing task (RPT) and a work task. Twenty-four participants equipped with 11 inertial measurement units, that include acceleration and gyroscope sensors, performed a tea bag filling work task before and immediately after a fatiguing RPT. During the RPT, the power spectrum of acceleration and angular velocity increased in the movement and in 6-12 Hz frequency bands for sensors positioned on the head, sternum, and pelvis. Alternatively, for the sensor positioned on the hand, the power spectrum of acceleration and angular velocity decreased in the movement frequency band. During the work task, following the performance of the fatiguing RPT, the power spectrum of acceleration and angular velocity increased in the movement frequency band for sensors positioned on the head, sternum, pelvis, and arm. Interestingly, for both the RPT and work task, Cohens' d effect sizes were systematically larger for results extracted from angular velocity than acceleration. Although fatigue-related changes were task-specific between the RPT and the work task, fatigue systematically increased the power spectrum in the movement frequency band for the head, sternum, pelvis, which highlights the relevance of this indicator for assessing fatigue. Angular velocity may be more efficient to assess fatigue than acceleration. The use of low cost, wearable, and uncalibrated sensors, such as acceleration and gyroscope, in industrial settings is promising to assess muscle fatigue in workers assigned to upper limb repetitive tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Étienne Goubault
- School of Kinesiology and Physical Activity Science, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Mickaël Begon
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
- School of Kinesiology and Physical Activity Science, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
- Centre de Recherche du CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada
| | - Julie N. Côté
- Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - Jason Bouffard
- Department of Kinesiology, Université Laval, Quebec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Fabien Dal Maso
- School of Kinesiology and Physical Activity Science, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
- Centre Interdisciplinaire de Recherche sur le Cerveau et l’Apprentissage, Montreal, QC H7N 0A5, Canada
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5
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Beltran Martinez K, Nazarahari M, Rouhani H. K-score: A novel scoring system to quantify fatigue-related ergonomic risk based on joint angle measurements via wearable inertial measurement units. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2022; 102:103757. [PMID: 35378482 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2022.103757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders have been recognized as a global problem that affects millions of people annually. Fatigue is one of the main contributors to musculoskeletal disorders. Thus, this study investigated fatigue detection based on the measured body motion by wearable inertial measurement units. We quantified the body motion during manual handling tasks using a novel kinematic score (i.e., K-score), and the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA). K-score and REBA were calculated using joint angles. Nevertheless, unlike REBA, K-score showed a significant correlation (Spearman's correlation coefficient of ρ(302) = 0.21, p < 0.05) with electromyography (EMG) signal amplitude, which was affected by muscle fatigue. Therefore, in-field measurement of K-score using inertial measurement units could detect the fatigue-induced change of body motion in long-duration manual handling tasks. Our proposed K-score can be used to assess fatigue-related ergonomic risk in long-term and real-world working conditions without the need for tedious EMG recording at workplaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla Beltran Martinez
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Alberta, Donadeo Innovation Centre for Engineering, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 1H9, Canada.
| | - Milad Nazarahari
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Alberta, Donadeo Innovation Centre for Engineering, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 1H9, Canada; Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, N2L 3G1, Canada.
| | - Hossein Rouhani
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Alberta, Donadeo Innovation Centre for Engineering, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 1H9, Canada.
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Chan VCH, Welsh TN, Tremblay L, Frost DM, Beach TAC. A comparison of augmented feedback and didactic training approaches to reduce spine motion during occupational lifting tasks. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2022; 99:103612. [PMID: 34743974 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2021.103612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Manual handling training may be improved if it relied on the provision of individualized, augmented feedback about key movement features. The purpose of this study was to compare the reduction in sagittal spine motion during manual lifting tasks following two training approaches: didactic (DID) and augmented feedback (AUG). Untrained participants (n = 26) completed lifting tests (box, medication bag, and paramedic backboard) and a randomly-assigned intervention involving 50 practice box lifts. Lifting tests were performed immediately before and after training, and one-week after interventions. Both groups exhibited reductions in spine motions immediately and one-week after the interventions. However, the AUG intervention group elicited significantly greater reductions in 5 of 12 between-group comparisons (3 tasks × 4 spine motion variables). The results of the current study support the use of augmented feedback-based approaches to manual handling training over education-based approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor C H Chan
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; School of Human Kinetics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Timothy N Welsh
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Centre for Motor Control, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Luc Tremblay
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Centre for Motor Control, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - David M Frost
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Tyson A C Beach
- Centre for Motor Control, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Kinesiology & Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada.
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Pinto-Bernal MJ, Cifuentes CA, Perdomo O, Rincón-Roncancio M, Múnera M. A Data-Driven Approach to Physical Fatigue Management Using Wearable Sensors to Classify Four Diagnostic Fatigue States. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 21:6401. [PMID: 34640722 PMCID: PMC8513020 DOI: 10.3390/s21196401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Physical exercise contributes to the success of rehabilitation programs and rehabilitation processes assisted through social robots. However, the amount and intensity of exercise needed to obtain positive results are unknown. Several considerations must be kept in mind for its implementation in rehabilitation, as monitoring of patients' intensity, which is essential to avoid extreme fatigue conditions, may cause physical and physiological complications. The use of machine learning models has been implemented in fatigue management, but is limited in practice due to the lack of understanding of how an individual's performance deteriorates with fatigue; this can vary based on physical exercise, environment, and the individual's characteristics. As a first step, this paper lays the foundation for a data analytic approach to managing fatigue in walking tasks. The proposed framework establishes the criteria for a feature and machine learning algorithm selection for fatigue management, classifying four fatigue diagnoses states. Based on the proposed framework and the classifier implemented, the random forest model presented the best performance with an average accuracy of ≥98% and F-score of ≥93%. This model was comprised of ≤16 features. In addition, the prediction performance was analyzed by limiting the sensors used from four IMUs to two or even one IMU with an overall performance of ≥88%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria J. Pinto-Bernal
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Colombian School of Engineering Julio Garavito, Bogotá 111166, Colombia; (M.J.P.-B.); (M.M.)
| | - Carlos A. Cifuentes
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Colombian School of Engineering Julio Garavito, Bogotá 111166, Colombia; (M.J.P.-B.); (M.M.)
| | - Oscar Perdomo
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111711, Colombia;
| | | | - Marcela Múnera
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Colombian School of Engineering Julio Garavito, Bogotá 111166, Colombia; (M.J.P.-B.); (M.M.)
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Truppa L, Guaitolini M, Garofalo P, Castagna C, Mannini A. Assessment of Biomechanical Response to Fatigue through Wearable Sensors in Semi-Professional Football Referees. SENSORS 2020; 21:s21010066. [PMID: 33374324 PMCID: PMC7795543 DOI: 10.3390/s21010066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Quantifying muscle fatigue is a key aspect of everyday sport practice. A reliable and objective solution that can fulfil this task would be deeply important for two main reasons: (i) it would grant an objective indicator to adjust the daily training load for each player and (ii) it would provide an innovative tool to reduce the risk of fatigue-related injuries. Available solutions for objectively quantifying the fatigue level of fatigue can be invasive for the athlete; they could alter the performance or they are not compatible with daily practice on the playground. Building on previous findings that identified fatigue-related parameters in the kinematic of the counter-movement jump (CMJ), this study evaluates the physical response to a fatigue protocol (i.e., Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1) in 16 football referees, by monitoring CMJ performance with wearable magneto-inertial measurement units (MIMU). Nineteen kinematic parameters were selected as suitable indicators for fatigue detection. The analysis of their variations allowed us to distinguish two opposites but coherent responses to the fatigue protocol. Indeed, eight out of sixteen athletes showed reduced performance (e.g., an effective fatigue condition), while the other eight athletes experienced an improvement of the execution likely due to the so-called Post-Activation Potentiation. In both cases, the above parameters were significantly influenced by the fatigue protocol (p < 0.05), confirming their validity for fatigue monitoring. Interesting correlations between several kinematic parameters and muscular mass were highlighted in the fatigued group. Finally, a “fatigue approximation index” was proposed and validated as fatigue quantifier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Truppa
- The BioRobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, 56127 Pisa, Italy; (M.G.); (A.M.)
- Department of Excellence in Robotics & AI, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, 56127 Pisa, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Michelangelo Guaitolini
- The BioRobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, 56127 Pisa, Italy; (M.G.); (A.M.)
- Department of Excellence in Robotics & AI, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Carlo Castagna
- School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Università di Tor Vergata, 00118 Rome, Italy;
- Italian Football Federation (FIGC) Technical Department, Football Training and Biomechanics Laboratory, 50135 Firenze, Italy
| | - Andrea Mannini
- The BioRobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, 56127 Pisa, Italy; (M.G.); (A.M.)
- Department of Excellence in Robotics & AI, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, 56127 Pisa, Italy
- IRCCS Fondazione don Carlo Gnocchi, 50143 Firenze, Italy
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