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

This just makes too much sense, objective evaluations of movements. It will take 30+ years to make it to the survivors.

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

Authors

Antonio J. Salazar, MSc^{1, 2}, Ana S. Silva, MSc^{1, 2}, Claudia Silva, MSc³, Carla M. Borges, Eng², Miguel V. Correia, PhD^{1, 2, 4}, Rubim S. Santos, PhD³, Joao P. Vilas-Boas, PhD⁴

¹INESC Technology and Science (INESC TEC), Porto, Portugal
²Faculdade de Engenharia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
³Centro de Estudos do Movimento e Actividade Humana (CEMAH), ESTSP-IPP, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
⁴Biomechanics Laboratory (LABIOMEP), Faculdade de Desporto, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal

Abstract

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.