The role of wearables in spinal posture analysis: a systematic review

Abstract

BackgroundWearables 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 questionsTo (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.MethodsA 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.ResultsA 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.ConclusionsThis 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.

Wireless battery-free body sensor networks using near-field-enabled clothing

“…Multi-node spinal posture monitoring. Real-time monitoring of spinal posture outside of clinical or laboratory settings has important applications in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders such as neck and back pain, radiculopathy, and sensorimotor deficit [44][45][46] . We demonstrate continuous sensing of spinal posture by interconnecting multiple battery-free strain sensors distributed along the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar sections of the spine with a near-field-enabled clothing (Fig.…”

A Comparison of the Conventional PiG Marker Method Versus a Cluster-Based Model when recording Gait Kinematics in Trans-Tibial Prosthesis Users and the Implications for Future IMU Gait Analysis

“…These systems have ushered in a new era in human motion analysis. There are many examples in the literature of single and multi-IMU systems being utilized for the analysis of posture [5][6][7], walking [8]. These systems offer an advantage over optical motion analysis systems because of their portability.…”

Internet of Things, Digital Biomarker, and Artificial Intelligence in Spine: Current and Future Perspectives

“…40 Spinal posture measured using a wearable device can also be digital biomarker in spine. 41 By monitoring spinal posture in real time, feedback can be provided in case of persistent bad posture. The feedback can be used to take steps to prevent spinal disease caused by bad posture.…”

“…Indeed, various IoT devices used for real-time monitoring of spinal posture are already available commercially. 41,42 Human gait can also serve as a digital biomarker in spine. 38 In Parkinson disease, gait pattern has been monitored via sensor built-in shoes or wearable devices.…”