A Wearable Real-Time Intelligent Posture Corrective System Using Vibrotactile Feedback

Biofeedback is known to improve postural control and shorten rehabilitation periods among the young and elderly. A biofeedback system communicates with the human central nervous system through a variety of feedback modalities. Vibrotactile feedback devices are gaining attention due to their desirabl...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:IEEE/ASME transactions on mechatronics 2011-10, Vol.16 (5), p.827-834
Main Authors: Gopalai, A. A., Senanayake, S. M. N. Arosha Arosha
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biofeedback
Biological control systems
Biomedical monitoring
Control systems
Control theory
Feedback
Fuzzy
Fuzzy set theory
Fuzzy sets
Knowledge bases (artificial intelligence)
postural control
Real time
Real time systems
rehabilitation
Wearable sensors
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Summary:Biofeedback is known to improve postural control and shorten rehabilitation periods among the young and elderly. A biofeedback system communicates with the human central nervous system through a variety of feedback modalities. Vibrotactile feedback devices are gaining attention due to their desirable characteristics and simplistic manner of presenting biofeedback. In this study, we investigate the potential of incorporating a real-time biofeedback system with artificial intelligence for wobble board training, aimed at improving ankle proprioception. The designed system utilizes vibrotactile actuators to provide forewarning for poor postural control. The biofeedback system depended on Euler angular measurements of trunk and wobble board displacements, from inertial measurement units (IMUs). A fuzzy inference system was used to determine the quality of postural control, based on IMU-acquired measurements of trunk and wobble board. The designed system integrates: 1) two IMUs, 2) a fuzzy knowledge base, and 3) a feedback-generation module. Tests were conducted in eyes-open and eyes-close conditions while standing on the wobble board to assess viability of the system in providing accurate real-time intervention. The results observed an improvement in postural control with biofeedback intervention, demonstrating successfulness of the prototype built for improving postural control in rehabilitative and preventive applications.
ISSN:1083-4435
1941-014X
DOI:10.1109/TMECH.2011.2161486