Development of an automated method to detect sitting pivot transfer phases using biomechanical variables: toward a standardized method

Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation, 2012 · DOI: 10.1186/1743-0003-9-7 · Published: February 3, 2012

Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Biomechanics

Simple Explanation

The study focuses on sitting pivot transfers (SPTs), a crucial yet strenuous task for individuals with spinal cord injuries. A better understanding of the biomechanics involved in SPTs is needed to improve teaching and performance of this task. The research aims to define distinct phases of SPTs, along with events characterizing these phases, to standardize biomechanical outcome measures and enhance evidence across different studies. The development and testing of a relative threshold-based algorithm for automatically detecting four phases of SPTs using kinematic and kinetic event markers is the main objective of this study.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

35 individuals with a spinal cord injury

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The relative threshold-based algorithm accurately and repeatably detected four distinct phases of SPT: pre-lift, upper arm loading, lift-pivot, and post-lift.
2
The newly defined upper arm loading phase represents a rapid transition during which the upper limbs are exposed to rapidly increasing and substantial loads.
3
No significant differences were found between the two trials, confirming similar phase duration.

Research Summary

This study developed and tested a relative threshold-based algorithm to automatically detect four distinct phases of sitting pivot transfers (SPTs) in individuals with spinal cord injuries, using kinematic and kinetic event markers. The algorithm identified four phases: pre-lift, upper arm loading, lift-pivot, and post-lift. The upper arm loading phase was newly defined and shown to be a critical period of rapidly increasing upper limb load. The algorithm proved rapid, accurate, and repeatable, offering a means of standardizing biomechanical research findings and refining assessment and training of SPTs.

Practical Implications

Standardized Research

The algorithm provides a common framework for SPT phase definitions, enabling comparison of results across studies and facilitating collaboration among research teams.

Clinical Assessment

The algorithm can be clinically useful to refine the assessment and training of SPTs, allowing identification of troublesome events during transfers.

Targeted Interventions

The identification of the upper arm loading phase highlights a period of high biomechanical stress, suggesting potential targets for interventions to prevent upper limb injuries.

Study Limitations

1
The study used sophisticated laboratory equipment, which may not be readily available in all clinical settings.
2
The algorithm's implementation in other settings or with simpler equipment needs further investigation.
3
The generalizability of the findings may be limited by the specific characteristics of the participant sample.

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