Abstract
Background and purposeThere are no published studies on the parameterisation and reliability of the single-leg stance (SLS) test with inertial sensors in stroke patients. Purpose: to analyse the reliability (intra-observer/inter-observer) and sensitivity of inertial sensors used for the SLS test in stroke patients. Secondary objective: to compare the records of the two inertial sensors (trunk and lumbar) to detect any significant differences in the kinematic data obtained in the SLS test.MethodsDesign: cross-sectional study. While performing the SLS test, two inertial sensors were placed at lumbar (L5-S1) and trunk regions (T7–T8). Setting: Laboratory of Biomechanics (Health Science Faculty - University of Málaga). Participants: Four chronic stroke survivors (over 65 yrs old). Measurement: displacement and velocity, Rotation (X-axis), Flexion/Extension (Y-axis), Inclination (Z-axis); Resultant displacement and velocity (V):Along with SLS kinematic variables, descriptive analyses, differences between sensors locations and intra-observer and inter-observer reliability were also calculated.ResultsDifferences between the sensors were significant only for left inclination velocity (p = 0.036) and extension displacement in the non-affected leg with eyes open (p = 0.038). Intra-observer reliability of the trunk sensor ranged from 0.889-0.921 for the displacement and 0.849-0.892 for velocity. Intra-observer reliability of the lumbar sensor was between 0.896-0.949 for the displacement and 0.873-0.894 for velocity. Inter-observer reliability of the trunk sensor was between 0.878-0.917 for the displacement and 0.847-0.884 for velocity. Inter-observer reliability of the lumbar sensor ranged from 0.870-0.940 for the displacement and 0.863-0.884 for velocity.ConclusionThere were no significant differences between the kinematic records made by an inertial sensor during the development of the SLS testing between two inertial sensors placed in the lumbar and thoracic regions. In addition, inertial sensors. Have the potential to be reliable, valid and sensitive instruments for kinematic measurements during SLS testing but further research is needed.
Highlights
Stroke is the most common cause of severe disability and the third-leading cause of death in the western world which increases with age [1]
Inter-observer reliability of the lumbar sensor ranged from 0.870-0.940 for the displacement and 0.863-0.884 for velocity
The values of the various functional tests that the participants completed are given. These were intended to identify the degree of balance impairment suffered by the participants as a consequence of their stroke (Canadian Neurological Scale: 8.5 ± 0.41; Barthel index 92.5 ± 6.46 and Stroke Impact Scale-16, 67 ± 7.83)
Summary
Stroke is the most common cause of severe disability and the third-leading cause of death in the western world which increases with age [1]. Imbalance is defined as body instability (static and dynamic) [2] It increases the difficulty of daily activities for stroke patients and reduces their independence [3]. Inertial sensors which are portable, non-invasive, highlyaccurate instruments and without side-effects can be used to measure the kinematic parameters of gestures [12,13]. They have a range of validity of 0.657–0.998 [12] and reliability of 0.84–0.97 [3]. There are no published studies on the parameterisation and reliability of the single-leg stance (SLS) test with inertial sensors in stroke patients. Secondary objective: to compare the records of the two inertial sensors (trunk and lumbar) to detect any significant differences in the kinematic data obtained in the SLS test
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