Calibration method for lumbosacral dimensions in wearable sensor system of lumbar alignment

Abstract

Anteflexion of the spine is essential for many physical activities in everyday life. However, this motion places the lumbar disks under heavy load due to changes in the shape of the lumbar spine and can lead to low back pain. With the aim of reducing low back pain, here we developed a wearable sensor system that can estimate lumbosacral alignment and lumbar load by measuring the shape of the lumbar skin when the lumbosacral alignment changes. In addition, we used this system to measure the parameters of anteflexion and studied the change in dimensions of the lumbar spine from changes in posture. By determining the dimensions of the lumbosacral spine on an X-ray image, a lumbosacral dimensions calibration method based on body surface area and height was developed. By using this method, lumbosacral alignment and lumbar load could be accurately estimated using the wearable sensor system.

Optical Devices for the Diagnosis and Management of Spinal Cord Injuries: A Review

“…According to Tsuchiya et al, [ 60 ] a wearable sensor system has been developed that is capable of detecting postures that are associated with an increased risk of back pain. Using the device, one can estimate daily lumbar load as well as lumbosacral alignment.…”

“…There is still a need to carry out more work to increase the precision of the lumbosacral alignment estimates, and the researchers acknowledged that different methods of correction were responsible for estimation error. In addition, estimations of lumbar loading will have to be made with more accuracy [ 60 ].…”

Monitoring Lower Back Activity in Daily Life Using Small Unintrusive Sensors and Wearable Electronics in the Context of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases

“…Multiple research groups (either from commercial companies [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ] or research laboratories [ 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 ]) have been working on developing tools that can monitor body posture and/or record muscles activity in a wearable way. Most of the commercial companies follow the same strategy: they focus on offering a small independent sensor system powered by a battery that communicates wirelessly with a remote station (computer, smartphone, or dedicated electronics) and use an inertial motion unit (IMU) to estimate the posture.…”