Real-time 3-Dimensional Measurement of Lumbar Spine Range of Motion using a Wireless Sensor

Abstract

Lumber spine range of motion has been used to measure of physical and functional impairment by various tools from a ruler to 3D kinematic devices. However, pre-existing tools have problems in either movement or accuracy and reliability limitations. Accurate devices are limited by fixed space whereas simple devices are limited in measuring complex movements with less accuracy. In order to solve the location, movement and accuracy limitations at once, we have developed a novice measurement device equipped with accelerometer sensor and gyroscope sensor for getting three-dimensional information of motion. Furthermore, Kalman filter was applied to the algorithm to improve accuracy. In addition, RF wireless communication was added for the user to conveniently check measured data in real time. Finally, the measurement method was improved by considering the movement by a reference point. An experiment was conducted to test the accuracy and reliability of the device by conducting a test-retest reliability test. Further modification will be conducted to used the device in various joints range of motion in clinical settings in the future.

Test-retest Reliability and Intratest Repeatability of Measuring Lumbar Range of Motion Using Inertial Measurement Unit

“…이러한 요구에 동작 분석 시스템인 VICON system(VICON Motion Systems Ltd, Oxford, United Kingdom)은 인체 의 운동을 분석, 근골격계의 운동 및 관절 가동범위를 평가 할 수 있다는 장점이 있지만 시스템 설치에 넓은 공간 및 많은 비용이 필요하여 1, 2차 의료기관에서 간편하게 사용 할 인체의 운동 평가도구로는 한계가 있다 9) . 이런 문제점 을 보완하기 위해 경제적이고 휴대하기 편리하며 실시간 및 비침습적으로 관절운동범위(range of motion, 이하 ROM)정보를 수집해 인체의 운동을 3차원으로 평가하고 분석할 수 있는 검사도구인 관성측정장치(inertial measurement unit, 이하 IMU)를 이용한 측정 시스템이 제안 되어 요추 및 경추 관절 운동 측정 시 활용되었다 [12][13][14] . …”