Use of Filters to Smooth Out Signals Collected through Mobile Devices in the Static and Dynamic Balance Assessment: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: When performing motion analysis using sensors, the signal often comes with noise and it is necessary to use filters to exclude unwanted frequencies. For this reason, the objective of this work was to carry out a systematic review on the filters used in data recorded from smartphone applications for static and dynamic balance assessment. Methods: A systematic literature review was performed on the PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Technology Research and Web of Science databases, using the search strategy: smartphone, “mobile technology”, evaluation, “postural stability”, and balance. Results: 427 articles were found (PubMed = 107; ScienceDirect = 67; Scopus = 106; Web of Science = 95; Technology research database = 52). After applying the inclusion criteria and removing duplicates, nine studies were eligible for this review. In these studies, the fourth-order Butterworth low-pass filter was the most applied (N = 6) and the cutoff frequency of 4 Hz (N = 2) was the most frequent. Conclusions: In general, few studies have adequately described the filter used in signal processing. This step, when hidden, negatively affects the reproducibility of studies. Understanding and describing the signal processing is important not only for the correct description of the results but also for the reproducibility of the studies.