Low-Cost Wearable Data Acquisition for Stroke Rehabilitation: A Proof-of-Concept Study on Accelerometry for Functional Task Assessment

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2014

Authors

A. J. Salazar (Author) Other; A. Silva (Author) Other; C. silva (Author) Other; C. Borges (Author) Other; M. V. Correia (Author) FEUP; R. Santos (Author) Other; João Paulo Vilas Boas Soares Campos (Author) FADEUP

Journal

Title: Topics in Stroke Rehabilitation

Vol. 20 No. 1

Pages: 12-22

ISSN: 1074-9357

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 17 Citations

Scopus - 18 Citations

Scientific classification

FOS: Social sciences

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-009-72E

DOI: 10.1310/tsr2101-12

Abstract (EN): Background: An increasingly aging society and consequently rising number of patients with poststroke-related neurological dysfunctions are forcing the rehabilitation field to adapt to ever-growing demands. Although clinical reasoning within rehabilitation is dependent on patient movement performance analysis, current strategies for monitoring rehabilitation progress are based on subjective time-consuming assessment scales, not often applied. Therefore, a need exists for efficient nonsubjective monitoring methods. Wearable monitoring devices are rapidly becoming a recognized option in rehabilitation for.quantitative measures. Developments in sensors, embedded technology, and smart textile are driving rehabilitation to adopt an objective, seamless, efficient, and cost-effective delivery system. This study aims to assist physiotherapists' clinical reasoning process through the incorporation of accelerometers as part of an electronic data acquisition system. Methods: A simple, low-cost, wearable device for poststroke rehabilitation progress monitoring was developed based on commercially available inertial sensors. Accelerometry data acquisition was performed for 4 first-time poststroke patients during a reach-press-return task. Results: Preliminary studies revealed acceleration profiles of stroke patients through which it is possible to quantitatively assess the functional movement, identify compensatory strategies, and help define proper movement. Conclusion: An inertial data acquisition system was designed and developed as.a low-cost option for monitoring rehabilitation. The device seeks to ease the data-gathering process by physiotherapists to complement current practices with accelerometry profiles and aid the development of quantifiable methodologies and protocols.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific