Ultrasound-based coordinate measuring system for estimating cervical dysfunction during functional movement

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Medical instrumentation
• Spine diagnostics

Background:

• Cervical range of motion (ROM) is crucial for evaluating spine function and diagnosing neck pain.
• Pathological conditions can disrupt head and axial segment movement coordination.
• Existing non-invasive instruments for measuring cervical ROM vary in accuracy and repeatability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and implement an evidence-based method for assessing cervical segment stability.
• To quantify movement quality and quantity for evaluating defects and treatment improvements.
• To develop a new diagnostic aid for patients experiencing neck pain.

Main Methods:

• Utilized an ultrasonic sensor system mounted on the body to transmit and receive signals.
• Calculated the 3D position of the transmitter based on signal delay times to three sensors.
• Developed Visual Basic software to process 3D coordination data, calculating angular dispersion, acceleration, anchoring index (AI), and cross-correlation function (CCF).

Main Results:

• The system successfully calculated 3D positions of body-mounted sensors.
• Software enabled detailed analysis of cervical segment motion, including angular dispersion and acceleration.
• Calculated stabilization parameters like AI and CCF to assess head-trunk coordination and stability.

Conclusions:

• The developed ultrasonic method provides a quantitative approach to assess cervical segment stability and movement quality.
• This technique can serve as a diagnostic aid for neck pain and a tool to monitor treatment effectiveness.
• The system offers a potentially more accurate and repeatable method for evaluating dynamic cervical spine function.