Vibrotactile -Feedback Device for Postural Balance Among Malocclusion Patients

Abstract

Multiple studies have suggested that some associations exist between occlusal factors and postural alterations. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a vibrotactile posture trainer device, comprised a wearable device containing an accelerometer sensor to measure the angle of the neck flexion (input) and provided real-time vibrotactile biofeedback (output) for postural balance among patients with malocclusion. Methods: Twenty-four subjects were divided in 3 groups based on occlusion and using Angle's classification. Each group consisted of 8 patients for class I, II and III malocclusion. The Posture Trainer System was used for feedback concerning neck flexion angles when higher than 15 degrees. A 4-week training program to adjust posture balance in 2 axes (flexion-extension, lateral-flexion) was applied in activities for daily living. The assessments in this study were comprised of neck flexion angles from the Posture Trainer System and the center of pressure (N•m) using a force plate. The effects of a vibrotactile posture trainer (baseline vs. post-training test) were evaluated using the paired t-test and were assumed to be significant at p <0.05 (two-side). All analyses were conducted using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences, Version 21.0 (SPSS, Chicago, IL, USA). Results: Neck flexion angles and center of pressure significantly decreased post-training by the Posture Trainer System among patients with class II malocclusion. No changes in the above parameters post-training were found in class I and class III. Conclusion: The results demonstrated that patients with class II malocclusion training by the Posture Trainer System lowered neck flexion angles and COP compared with pre-training. Clinical Impact: Feedback by the Posture Trainer System can help improve the postural balance in class II malocclusion.

Evidence for the Effectiveness of Feedback from Wearable Inertial Sensors during Work-Related Activities: A Scoping Review

“…A total of 53 studies were excluded in full-text screening as follows: WIST studies without feedback ( n = 14) [ 55 , 81 , 82 , 83 , 84 , 85 , 86 , 87 , 88 , 89 , 90 , 91 , 92 , 93 ]; feedback without an inertial sensor (s) [ 94 ]; sensors integrated into equipment ( n = 5), e.g., seat sensors and robotic devices rather than those worn by an individual [ 95 , 96 , 97 , 98 , 99 ]; standing balance and/or lower body sway ( n = 5) [ 100 , 101 , 102 , 103 , 104 ]; abstracts ( n = 7) [ 105 , 106 , 107 , 108 , 109 , 110 , 111 ]; stroke/other neurological rehabilitation studies ( n = 4) [ 112 , 113 , 114 , 115 ]; a non-work setting ( n = 3) [ 116 , 117 , 118 ]; no evaluation of WIST feedback effectiveness ( n = 6) [ 119 , 120 , 121 , 122 , 123 , 124 ]; research proposal ( n = 1) [ 125 ]; and validity and reliability s...…”

First examinations with the newly installed posturographic platform at the University medical and dental center, Medical University – Varna, Bulgaria

“…In these cases, clinicians speak of bad posture (non-functional). [5], [6], [11], [15] Posturology enables clinicians to study the sensory information, entering the body and determine the sensor that work in a suboptimal manner. Measures can be undertaken to address the imbalances.…”