The Role of Wearables in Spinal Posture Analysis: a Systematic Review

Overview

Journal BMC Musculoskelet Disord

Publisher Biomed Central

Specialties Orthopedics
Physiology

Date 2019 Feb 10

PMID 30736775

Citations 34

Authors

Lauren Simpson

Monish M Maharaj

Ralph J Mobbs

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: Wearables consist of numerous technologies that are worn on the body and measure parameters such as step count, distance travelled, heart rate and sleep quantity. Recently, various wearable systems have been designed capable of detecting spinal posture and providing live biofeedback when poor posture is sustained. It is hypothesised that long-term use of these wearables may improve spinal posture.

Research Questions: To (1) examine the capabilities of current devices assessing spine posture, (2) to identify studies implementing such devices in the clinical setting and (3) comment on the clinical practicality of integration of such devices into routine care where appropriate.

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; Cochrane; and Scopus. Articles related to wearables systems able to measure spinal posture were selected amongst all published studies dated from 1980 onwards. Extracted data was collected as per a predetermined checklist including device types, study objectives, findings and limitations.

Results: A total of 37 articles were extensively reviewed and analysed in the final review. The proposed wearables most commonly used Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) as the underlying technology. Wearables measuring spinal posture have been proposed to be used in the following settings: post-operative rehabilitation; treatment of musculoskeletal disorders; diagnosis of pathological spinal posture; monitoring of progression of Parkinson's Disease; detection of falls; workplace occupational health and safety; comparison of interventions.

Conclusions: This is the first and only study to specifically review wearable devices that monitor spinal posture. Our findings suggest that currently available devices are capable of assessing spinal posture with good accuracy in the clinical setting. However, further validation regarding the long-term use of these technologies and improvements regarding practicality is required for commercialisation.

Citing Articles

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

Lind C Sensors (Basel). 2024; 24(21).

PMID: 39517873 PMC: 11548609. DOI: 10.3390/s24216977.

A machine learning approach for the design optimization of a multiple magnetic and inertial sensors wearable system for the spine mobility assessment.

Dominguez-Jimenez D, Martinez-Hernandez A, Pacheco-Santiago G, Casasola-Vargas J, Burgos-Vargas R, Padilla-Castaneda M J Neuroeng Rehabil. 2024; 21(1):198.

PMID: 39501297 PMC: 11536966. DOI: 10.1186/s12984-024-01484-w.

Lumbar Sitting Behavior of Individuals with Low Back Pain: A Preliminary Study Using Extended Real-World Data.

McClintock F, Callaway A, Clark C, Alqhtani R, Williams J Sensors (Basel). 2024; 24(20).

PMID: 39460231 PMC: 11510775. DOI: 10.3390/s24206751.

Wearable technology mediated biofeedback to modulate spine motor control: a scoping review.

Battis A, Norrie J, McMaster H, Beaudette S BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2024; 25(1):770.

PMID: 39354458 PMC: 11446096. DOI: 10.1186/s12891-024-07867-3.

Wearable Technology and Its Influence on Motor Development and Biomechanical Analysis.

Morouco P Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2024; 21(9).

PMID: 39338009 PMC: 11431778. DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21091126.

References

Bhattacharya A, Warren J, Teuschler J, DIMOV M, Medvedovic M, LeMasters G . Development and evaluation of a microprocessor-based ergonomic dosimeter for evaluating carpentry tasks. Appl Ergon. 2000; 30(6):543-53. DOI: 10.1016/s0003-6870(99)00006-x. View

Plamondon A, Delisle A, Larue C, Brouillette D, McFadden D, Desjardins P . Evaluation of a hybrid system for three-dimensional measurement of trunk posture in motion. Appl Ergon. 2007; 38(6):697-712. DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2006.12.006. View

Bell J, Stigant M . Development of a fibre optic goniometer system to measure lumbar and hip movement to detect activities and their lumbar postures. J Med Eng Technol. 2007; 31(5):361-6. DOI: 10.1080/03091900600996735. View

Motoi K, Ikeda K, Kuwae Y, Yuji T, Higashi Y, Nogawa M . Development of an ambulatory device for monitoring posture change and walking speed for use in rehabilitation. Conf Proc IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc. 2007; 2006:5940-3. DOI: 10.1109/IEMBS.2006.259364. View

Wong W, Wong M . Trunk posture monitoring with inertial sensors. Eur Spine J. 2008; 17(5):743-53. PMC: 2367407. DOI: 10.1007/s00586-008-0586-0. View

Giansanti D, Dozza M, Chiari L, Maccioni G, Cappello A . Energetic assessment of trunk postural modifications induced by a wearable audio-biofeedback system. Med Eng Phys. 2008; 31(1):48-54. DOI: 10.1016/j.medengphy.2008.04.004. View

Kairy D, Lehoux P, Vincent C, Visintin M . A systematic review of clinical outcomes, clinical process, healthcare utilization and costs associated with telerehabilitation. Disabil Rehabil. 2008; 31(6):427-47. DOI: 10.1080/09638280802062553. View

Moher D, Liberati A, Tetzlaff J, Altman D . Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses: the PRISMA statement. PLoS Med. 2009; 6(7):e1000097. PMC: 2707599. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1000097. View

Faber G, Kingma I, Bruijn S, van Dieen J . Optimal inertial sensor location for ambulatory measurement of trunk inclination. J Biomech. 2009; 42(14):2406-9. DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2009.06.024. View

10.

Lou E, Lam G, Hill D, Wong M . Development of a smart garment to reduce kyphosis during daily living. Med Biol Eng Comput. 2011; 50(11):1147-54. DOI: 10.1007/s11517-011-0847-7. View

11.

OSullivan K, Verschueren S, Pans S, Smets D, Dekelver K, Dankaerts W . Validation of a novel spinal posture monitor: comparison with digital videofluoroscopy. Eur Spine J. 2012; 21(12):2633-9. PMC: 3508222. DOI: 10.1007/s00586-012-2440-7. View

12.

Dunne L, Walsh P, Hermann S, Smyth B, Caulfield B . Wearable monitoring of seated spinal posture. IEEE Trans Biomed Circuits Syst. 2013; 2(2):97-105. DOI: 10.1109/TBCAS.2008.927246. View

13.

Felisberto F, Fdez-Riverola F, Pereira A . A ubiquitous and low-cost solution for movement monitoring and accident detection based on sensor fusion. Sensors (Basel). 2014; 14(5):8961-83. PMC: 4063039. DOI: 10.3390/s140508961. View

14.

Hansraj K . Assessment of stresses in the cervical spine caused by posture and position of the head. Surg Technol Int. 2014; 25:277-9. View

15.

McCullagh R, Brady N, Dillon C, Horgan N, Timmons S . A Review of the Accuracy and Utility of Motion Sensors to Measure Physical Activity of Frail, Older Hospitalized Patients. J Aging Phys Act. 2015; 24(3):465-75. DOI: 10.1123/japa.2014-0190. View

16.

Tsuchiya Y, Kusaka T, Tanaka T, Matsuo Y, Oda M, Sasaki T . Calibration method for lumbosacral dimensions in wearable sensor system of lumbar alignment. Annu Int Conf IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc. 2016; 2015:3909-12. DOI: 10.1109/EMBC.2015.7319248. View

17.

Miyajima S, Tanaka T, Imamura Y, Kusaka T . Lumbar joint torque estimation based on simplified motion measurement using multiple inertial sensors. Annu Int Conf IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc. 2016; 2015:6716-9. DOI: 10.1109/EMBC.2015.7319934. View

18.

Rao P, Phan K, Maharaj M, Pelletier M, Walsh W, Mobbs R . Accelerometers for objective evaluation of physical activity following spine surgery. J Clin Neurosci. 2016; 26:14-8. DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2015.05.064. View

19.

Piwek L, Ellis D, Andrews S, Joinson A . The Rise of Consumer Health Wearables: Promises and Barriers. PLoS Med. 2016; 13(2):e1001953. PMC: 4737495. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1001953. View

20.

Gleadhill S, Lee J, James D . The development and validation of using inertial sensors to monitor postural change in resistance exercise. J Biomech. 2016; 49(7):1259-1263. DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2016.03.012. View