Kinematics and dynamic complexity of postural transitions in frail elderly subjects

Abstract

The aim of this study was to propose a methodology allowing a detailed characterization of body sit-to-stand/stand-to-sit postural transition. Parameters characterizing the kinematics of the trunk movement during sit-to-stand (Si-St) postural transition were calculated using one initial sensor system fixed on the trunk and a data logger. Dynamic complexity of these postural transitions was estimated by fractal dimension of acceleration-angular velocity plot. We concluded that this method provides a simple and accurate tool for monitoring frail elderly and to objectively evaluate the efficacy of a rehabilitation program.

Differences in Trunk Accelerometry Between Frail and Nonfrail Elderly Persons in Sit-to-Stand and Stand-to-Sit Transitions Based on a Mobile Inertial Sensor

“…Generically, the gyroscope and accelerometry data obtained for the Si-St and St-Si transitions were similar to other studies with other types of study groups or other types of functional tasks. In the present study, the frail elderly showed low magnitudes in the kinematic values with low variability (very small standard deviations) compared to the controls, the same as the subjects affected by Parkinson's disease [28-30], the elderly with a high risk of falls [7] and the frail elderly in a previous study [11,12,31]. …”

“…As people get older, the ability to rise from a chair, usually labeled as the sit-to-stand (Si-St) and stand-to-sit (St-Si) postural transition, becomes a more demanding functional daily task [11,12]. Traditional clinical evaluation of Si-St and St-Si transition is based on visual observation of joint angle motion to describe alterations in coordination and movement pattern [11,12].…”

“…Traditional clinical evaluation of Si-St and St-Si transition is based on visual observation of joint angle motion to describe alterations in coordination and movement pattern [11,12]. However, the validity of such assessment essentially depends on clinicians’ experience and training.…”

“…Results might not have the precision needed to objectively assess the effect of rehabilitative intervention or the decline over time in frail elderly persons [11-13]. Kinematics of the trunk appears essential to maintain balance during Si-St transition [11,12,14]. The dynamic body movements using body-worn inertial sensors have been investigated [11,12,15-19].…”

Smart textiles for wearable sensor networks: Review and early lessons

“…The evidence for beneficial applications of wearable computing can be found in many different fields, such as medicine [1] from early detection [2][3] [4] [5] to treatment [6] [7], care for the elderly [8] [9][10] and frail [11], exercise [12][13] [14], mental health [15], entertainment [16] [17] and potentially many others.…”