Accuracy of Sensor-Based Measurement of Clinically Relevant Motor Activities in Daily Life of Children With Mobility Impairments

Abstract

ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the accuracy of 3 sensor configurations and corresponding algorithms deriving clinically relevant outcomes of everyday life motor activities in children undergoing rehabilitation. These outcomes were identified in 2 preceding studies assessing the needs of pediatric rehabilitation. The first algorithm estimates the duration of lying, sitting, and standing positions and the number of sit-to-stand transitions with data from a trunk and a thigh sensor. The second algorithm detects active and passive wheeling periods with data from a wrist and a wheelchair sensor. The third algorithm detects free and assisted walking periods and estimates the covered altitude change during stair climbing with data from a single ankle sensor and a sensor placed on walking aids. DesignThe participants performed a semi-structured activity circuit while wearing inertial sensors on both wrists, the sternum, and the thigh and shank of the less-affected side. The circuit included watching a movie, playing, cycling, drinking, and moving around between facilities. Video recordings, which 2 independent researchers labeled, served as reference criteria to determine the algorithms’ performance. SettingIn-patient rehabilitation center. ParticipantsThirty-one children and adolescents with mobility impairments who were able to walk or use a manual wheelchair for household distances (N=31). InterventionsNot applicable. Main Outcome Measure(s)The algorithms’ activity classification accuracies. ResultsThe activity classification accuracy was 97% for the posture detection algorithm, 96% for the wheeling detection algorithm, and 93% for the walking detection algorithm. Conclusion(s)The 3 sensor configurations and corresponding algorithms presented in this study revealed accurate measurements of everyday life motor activities in children with mobility impairments. To follow-up on this promising results, the sensor systems needs to be tested in long-term measurements outside the clinic before using the system to determine the children's motor performance in their habitual environment for clinical and scientific purposes.