Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 30, 2025
A Method for Quantifying Upper Limb Performance in Daily Life Using Accelerometers
Published on: April 21, 2017
Accurate Estimation of Upper Limb Orthosis Wear Time Using Miniature Temperature Loggers
Claudia J W Haarman1, Edsko E G Hekman, Johan S Rietman
1Department of Biomechanical Engineering, University of Twente, Enschede; Hankamp Rehab, Enschede. c.j.w.haarman@utwente.nl.
Objective:
To propose and validate a new method for estimating upper limb orthosis wear time using miniature temperature loggers attached to locations on the upper body.
Design:
Observational study.
Subjects:
Fifteen healthy participants.
Methods:
Four temperature loggers were attached to the arm and chest with straps. Participants were asked to remove and re-attach the straps at specified time-points. The labelled temperature data obtained were used to train a decision tree classification algorithm to estimate wear time. The final performance (mean error and 95% confidence interval) of the trained classifier and the wear time estimation were assessed with a hold-out data-set.
Results:
The trained algorithm can correctly classify unseen temperature data with a mean classification error between 1.1% and 3.1% for the arm, and between 1.8% and 4.0% for the chest, depending on the sampling time of the temperature logger. This resulted in mean wear time errors between 0.5% and 8.3% for the arm, and 0.13% and 13.0% for the chest.
Conclusion:
The proposed method based on a classifier can accurately estimate upper limb orthosis wear time. This method could enable healthcare professionals to gain insight into the wear time of any upper limb orthosis.
Related Concept Videos
01:14Temperature Measurement Sites
Oral: When assessing oral temperature, the thermometer tip should be placed under the tongue in the posterior sublingual pocket. It offers accurate readings and can be...
01:13Equipments Used to Measure Body Temperature
Glass-bulb Thermometer:
Glass-bulb thermometers are hollow glass tubes with a bulb tip containing liquid such as ethanol or mercury. Historically, glass bulb mercury thermometers were the standard device to measure body temperature. Today, mercury thermometers are prohibited in many countries due to the hazardous effects of mercury and the risk of exposure if the glass bulb breaks. In general,...
01:14Assessing Body Temperature - Axilla
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and put on clean gloves to maintain infection control and prevent cross-contamination.
Step 2: Prepare the patient by explaining the procedure to ensure understanding and cooperation. Ensure privacy, expose the axilla, and inform the patient that minimal movement is crucial for an accurate reading.
Step 3: Adjust the patient’s clothing to expose only the axilla. It minimizes...
01:19Assessing Body Temperature - Temporal Artery
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don a fresh pair of gloves to prevent cross-infection and ensure patient safety.
Step 2: Explain the procedure to the patient to establish trust. Clear communication establishes trust with the patient, ensures they understand what to expect, promotes cooperation, and enhances comfort during the procedure.
Step 3: Assess the patient's...