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A novel IMU-based clinical assessment protocol for Axial Spondyloarthritis: a protocol validation study
Luca Franco1,2, Raj Sengupta3,4, Logan Wade1,2
1Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, UK.
Peerj
|February 11, 2021
Summary
This study introduces a new wearable sensor protocol for accurate spinal range of motion (ROM) measurement in Axial Spondyloarthritis (AxSpA) patients. The novel system overcomes limitations of current methods, offering improved accuracy for clinical assessment.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Clinical Biomechanics
- Rehabilitation Technology
Background:
- Current clinical assessment of spinal impairment in Axial Spondyloarthritis (AxSpA) relies on the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrological Index (BASMI).
- BASMI exhibits limitations in sensitivity and specificity for spinal changes, showing poor correlation with radiographic range of motion (ROM).
- Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) offer a cost-effective approach for quantitative movement analysis but are hindered by sensor angular drift in clinical settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel wearable sensor protocol for accurate, unrestrained spatial orientation measurements of spinal movement.
- To limit sensor angular drift using a constraint-based approach for enhanced clinical applicability.
- To quantitatively assess spinal ROM and kinematics in healthy participants using the developed protocol.
Main Methods:
- Eleven healthy male participants performed five BASMI-inspired functional movements.
- Spinal ROM and continuous kinematics were calculated for five spine segments and four joint levels.
- Statistical analyses included Bland-Altman, Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), RMSE, MAE, and Spearman's rho to assess reliability and accuracy.
Main Results:
- Low overall error in continuous kinematic measures: sagittal plane RMSE = 2.1°, frontal plane RMSE = 2.3°.
- Excellent ROM limits of agreement (LoA) and minimum detectable change (MDC) for the sagittal plane (max LoA 1.9°, MDC 2.4°).
- Excellent reliability (ICC > 0.9) for segment and joint ROM across all movements, demonstrating accuracy acceptable for clinical settings.
Conclusions:
- The developed wearable sensor protocol provides accurate and reliable measurements of spinal ROM and kinematics.
- The system demonstrates superior or equivalent accuracy compared to previous studies, making it suitable for clinical use.
- Further clinical validation in Axial Spondyloarthritis patients is necessary for developing a novel mobility index.
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