Spine Motion Tracking: 3-D Spinal Motion Analysis Using Intertial/magnetic Sensors to Investigate Effects of Low-back Pain on Movements

The purpose of the proposed research is to measure and analyze the 3-D spinal movements using inertial/magnetic sensing, and to study the effects of low-back pain on spinal movements. This research will perform (i) feasibility test of using inertial/magnetic sensors in measuring spinal motion in a noninvasive and portable approach, (ii) application of inertial/magnetic sensors in gait cycle detection for stair climbing combined with the instantaneous spinal movements, and (iii) analysis and investigation of 3-D spinal motion including twisting that aims at using spinal motion to classify LBP patients from normal/control subjects. Specifically, the experimental protocol requires subjects to perform three different tests: fast flexion-extension of the trunk region including some twisting, stair climbing (one and two steps), and a neck motion test. Finally, this research will provide a proof-of-concept demonstration of novel wearable inertial/magnetic sensor technology for identifying LBP patients' motion patterns differentiated from the controls and help inform spine researchers on the kinematics of stair climbing. Supervised by Dr. Park, the intern will help Optima track spinal motion of both LBP patients and controls.

Faculty Supervisor:

Dr. Edward J. Park

Student:

Jung Keun Lee

Partner:

Optima Health Solutions International Corporation

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Medical devices

University:

Simon Fraser University