Smartphone Assessment of the Sitting Heel-Rise Test

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Rehabilitation Engineering
• Medical Device Technology

Background:

• Assessing plantarflexor muscle function is crucial for mobility and balance.
• Traditional tests often require standing, limiting use in individuals with severe balance impairment.
• A simple, accessible method is needed for evaluating this muscle group in at-risk populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and validate a novel seated heel-rise test using smartphone gyroscopic data.
• To demonstrate the feasibility of using smartphone technology for objective functional assessments.
• To provide an alternative assessment for individuals unable to perform standing balance tests.

Main Methods:

• Participants performed a 60-second seated heel-rise test with a smartphone on their thigh.
• Gyroscopic data from the smartphone and 2D video analysis were collected simultaneously.
• Data were analyzed to determine the number of cycles and time parameters (T-rise, T-lower, T-total).

Main Results:

• Smartphone gyroscope accurately detected the number of heel-raise cycles compared to video analysis.
• Excellent agreement was found between gyroscopic and video data for time domain measurements (T-rise, T-lower, T-total).
• Small limits of agreement indicate high reliability and precision of the smartphone method.

Conclusions:

• A smartphone can reliably assess seated heel-rise test performance.
• This method offers a practical and objective way to evaluate plantarflexor muscle function.
• The seated heel-rise test is a valuable tool for individuals with significant balance deficits.