Detecting destabilizing wheelchair conditions for maintaining seated posture

Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol, 2018 · DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2017.1300347 · Published: February 1, 2018

Spinal Cord Injury Assistive Technology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study aims to detect potentially destabilizing conditions encountered by manual wheelchair users with spinal cord injuries to prevent falls. The research uses wireless inertial measurement units to record accelerations and angular velocities during simulated destabilizing conditions. Algorithms were developed to differentiate between events based on sensor data, aiming to trigger protective interventions in real-time.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

One subject with motor complete T11 paraplegia

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The decision algorithm based on acceleration signals successfully differentiated destabilizing conditions.
2
Classification accuracies of 95.8, 58.3 and 91.7% were achieved for the chest, wheelchair, and both sensors, respectively.
3
Mahalanobis distance classification based on trunk accelerations is a feasible method for detecting destabilizing events.

Research Summary

This study explores dynamic options for improving postural stability and recovering from potentially destabilizing events in manual wheelchair users. The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether a classification system could be constructed based on data from simple IMUs. The results showed that a Mahalanobis distance-based classifier could differentiate potentially destabilizing events with high accuracy.

Practical Implications

Improved Quality of Life

SCI has a significant impact on quality of life, compromising the ability to participate in social or leisure activities, and complete other activities of daily living for an independent lifestyle.

Neuroprosthetic Device Control

Using inertial measurement units to build an event classifier for control the actions of a neuroprosthetic device for maintaining seated posture in wheelchair users.

Enhanced User Stability

Varying muscle activation increases user stability reducing the risk of injury.

Study Limitations

1
Limited number of trials per condition
2
Reliance on a single subject
3
Need for testing with additional subjects and events

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