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Foot Position Measurement during Assistive Motion for Sit-to-Stand Using a Single Inertial Sensor and Shoe-Type Force
Kodai Kitagawa1, Ibai Gorordo Fernandez1, Takayuki Nagasaki2
1Graduate School of Life Science and Systems Engineering, Kyushu Institute of Technology, 2-4 Hibikino, Wakamatsu-ku, Kitakyushu 808-0196, Japan.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
|October 13, 2021
Summary
Caregivers experiencing lower back pain (LBP) can benefit from a new wearable sensor method to monitor foot position during sit-to-stand movements. This technology aims to reduce lumbar load and prevent caregiver injuries.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanical Engineering
- Rehabilitation Technology
- Wearable Sensor Technology
Background:
- Assistive sit-to-stand motions can cause lower back pain (LBP) in caregivers.
- Foot position adjustment is known to reduce lumbar load during sit-to-stand.
- Quantitative monitoring of foot position is needed to guide caregivers and prevent LBP.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and evaluate a novel method for quantitative foot position measurement during sit-to-stand assistance.
- To assess the feasibility of using minimal wearable sensors for this measurement.
- To contribute to reducing LBP among caregivers through improved assistive techniques.
Main Methods:
- A new method utilizing a single trunk-mounted inertial sensor and shoe-type force sensors was developed.
- Machine learning techniques were employed to calculate foot position (anteroposterior and mediolateral distances).
- Accuracy was validated against an optical motion capture system.
Main Results:
- The proposed method demonstrated minor measurement errors (less than 6.5% of body height).
- Bland-Altman analysis indicated no fixed errors compared to the optical motion capture system.
- The system effectively measured quantitative foot position during assistive sit-to-stand.
Conclusions:
- The developed wearable sensor-based method accurately measures foot position during sit-to-stand assistance.
- This technology has the potential to be implemented in real-world caregiver support systems.
- It offers a practical approach to reducing lumbar load and preventing lower back pain.
