Wearable Device to Monitor Back Movements Using an Inductive Textile Sensor

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Wearable Technology
• Musculoskeletal Health

Background:

• Low back pain (LBP) is a prevalent work-related musculoskeletal disorder among healthcare professionals.
• Prolonged awkward postures and trunk movements contribute significantly to LBP.
• Objective posture monitoring is crucial for LBP prevention and management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a wireless, comfortable, and compact wearable platform for monitoring trunk movements.
• To create a textile-based sensor system for objective back posture tracking.
• To investigate the potential of wearable technology in preventing LBP.

Main Methods:

• Prototyped a smart garment with a zigzag-patterned inductive copper wire sensor sewn into elastic fabric.
• Conducted extensive simulations to optimize sensor inductance and resolution.
• Performed experimental evaluations on a healthy participant to assess movement detection capabilities and magnetic interference.

Main Results:

• Simulations indicated improved sensor resolution due to the unique zigzag design.
• Experimental tests confirmed the wearable system's ability to detect forward bending movements.
• The system successfully discriminated between forward bending and other trunk movements (twisting, lateral bending).
• Mobile phone proximity affected readings of the unworn prototype, but not when worn during forward bend detection.

Conclusions:

• The proposed textile-based wearable platform is a viable tool for monitoring back posture.
• This technology shows promise for developing systems to prevent or treat low back pain.
• Further development could lead to widespread application in occupational health and rehabilitation.