Development and Validation of a Wearable Inertial Sensors-Based Automated System for Assessing Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in the Workspace

The industrial societies face difficulty applying traditional work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WMSD) risk assessment methods in practical applications due to in-situ task dynamics, complex data processing, and the need of ergonomics professionals. This study aims to develop and validate a wearable inertial sensors-based automated system for assessing WMSD risks in the workspace conveniently, in order to enhance workspace safety and improve workers’ health. Both postural ergonomic analysis (RULA/REBA) and two-dimensional static biomechanical analysis were automatized as two toolboxes in the proposed system to provide comprehensive WMSD risk assessment based on the kinematic data acquired from wearable inertial sensors. The effectiveness of the developed system was validated through a follow-up experiment among 20 young subjects when performing representative tasks in the heavy industry. The RULA/REBA scores derived from our system achieved high consistency with experts’ ratings (intraclass correlation coefficient ≥0.83, classification accuracy >88%), and good agreement was also found between low-back compression force from the developed system and the reference system (mean intersystem coefficient of multiple correlation >0.89 and relative error <9.5%). These findings suggested that the wearable inertial sensors-based automated system could be effectively used for WMSD risk assessment of workers when performing tasks in the workspace.

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A Novel Environment-Adaptive Timed Up and Go Test System for Fall Risk Assessment with Wearable Inertial Sensors

IEEE Sensors Journal ◽

10.1109/jsen.2021.3082982 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-1

Author(s):

Yanan Diao ◽

Nan Lou ◽

Shengyun Liang ◽

Yu Zhang ◽

Yunkun Ning ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Assessment ◽

Fall Risk ◽

Inertial Sensors ◽

Test System ◽

Timed Up And Go ◽

Fall Risk Assessment ◽

Novel Environment ◽

Wearable Inertial Sensors

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Evidence for the Effectiveness of Feedback from Wearable Inertial Sensors during Work-Related Activities: A Scoping Review

Sensors ◽

10.3390/s21196377 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (19) ◽

pp. 6377

Author(s):

Roger Lee ◽

Carole James ◽

Suzi Edwards ◽

Geoff Skinner ◽

Jodi L. Young ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Inertial Sensors ◽

Inertial Sensor ◽

Upper Body ◽

Sensor Technology ◽

Vibrotactile Feedback ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Work Related ◽

Wearable Inertial Sensors ◽

Effects Of Feedback

Background: Wearable inertial sensor technology (WIST) systems provide feedback, aiming to modify aberrant postures and movements. The literature on the effects of feedback from WIST during work or work-related activities has not been previously summarised. This review examines the effectiveness of feedback on upper body kinematics during work or work-related activities, along with the wearability and a quantification of the kinematics of the related device. Methods: The Cinahl, Cochrane, Embase, Medline, Scopus, Sportdiscus and Google Scholar databases were searched, including reports from January 2005 to July 2021. The included studies were summarised descriptively and the evidence was assessed. Results: Fourteen included studies demonstrated a ‘limited’ level of evidence supporting posture and/or movement behaviour improvements using WIST feedback, with no improvements in pain. One study assessed wearability and another two investigated comfort. Studies used tri-axial accelerometers or IMU integration (n = 5 studies). Visual and/or vibrotactile feedback was mostly used. Most studies had a risk of bias, lacked detail for methodological reproducibility and displayed inconsistent reporting of sensor technology, with validation provided only in one study. Thus, we have proposed a minimum ‘Technology and Design Checklist’ for reporting. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that WIST may improve posture, though not pain; however, the quality of the studies limits the strength of this conclusion. Wearability evaluations are needed for the translation of WIST outcomes. Minimum reporting standards for WIST should be followed to ensure methodological reproducibility.

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Wearable Inertial Sensors for Fall Risk Assessment and Prediction in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

IEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering ◽

10.1109/tnsre.2017.2771383 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 26 (3) ◽

pp. 573-582 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

Luis Montesinos ◽

Rossana Castaldo ◽

Leandro Pecchia

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Older Adults ◽

Risk Assessment ◽

Fall Risk ◽

Inertial Sensors ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Fall Risk Assessment ◽

Wearable Inertial Sensors

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IRISK METHOD FOR SECURITY ESTIMATION OF THE SIMULATION POLYGON FOR THE PROTECTION OF CRITICAL INFORMATION RESOURCES

Visnyk Universytetu “Ukraina” ◽

10.36994/2707-4110-2019-2-23-27 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Bogdan Korniyenko ◽

Lilia Galata

Keyword(s):

Risk Assessment ◽

Information System ◽

Information Security ◽

Risk Analysis ◽

Information Resources ◽

Security System ◽

Assessment System ◽

Automated System ◽

Information Risk ◽

Critical Information

In this article, the research of information system protection by ana ly zing the risks for identifying threats for information security is considered. Information risk analysis is periodically conducted to identify information security threats and test the information security system. Currently, various information risk analysis techni ques exist and are being used, the main difference being the quantitative or qualitative risk assessment scales. On the basis of the existing methods of testing and evaluation of the vulnerabilities for the automated system, their advantages and disadvantages, for the possibility of further comparison of the spent resources and the security of the information system, the conclusion was made regarding the deter mi nation of the optimal method of testing the information security system in the context of the simulated polygon for the protection of critical information resources. A simula tion ground for the protection of critical information resources based on GNS3 application software has been developed and implemented. Among the considered methods of testing and risk analysis of the automated system, the optimal iRisk methodology was identified for testing the information security system on the basis of the simulated. The quantitative method Risk for security estimation is considered. Generalized iRisk risk assessment is calculated taking into account the following parameters: Vulnerabili ty — vulnerability assessment, Threat — threat assessment, Control — assessment of security measures. The methodology includes a common CVSS vul nerability assessment system, which allows you to use constantly relevant coefficients for the calculation of vulnerabilities, as well as have a list of all major vulnerabilities that are associated with all modern software products that can be used in the automated system. The known software and hardware vulnerabilities of the ground are considered and the resistance of the built network to specific threats by the iRisk method is calculated.

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Inertial Measurement Unit Sensors in Assistive Technologies for Visually Impaired People, a Review

Sensors ◽

10.3390/s21144767 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (14) ◽

pp. 4767

Author(s):

Karla Miriam Reyes Leiva ◽

Milagros Jaén-Vargas ◽

Benito Codina ◽

José Javier Serrano Olmedo

Keyword(s):

Inertial Measurement Unit ◽

Visually Impaired ◽

Inertial Sensors ◽

Assistive Technologies ◽

Biomechanical Analysis ◽

Measurement Unit ◽

Inertial Measurement ◽

Visually Impaired People ◽

Impaired People ◽

Application Fields

A diverse array of assistive technologies have been developed to help Visually Impaired People (VIP) face many basic daily autonomy challenges. Inertial measurement unit sensors, on the other hand, have been used for navigation, guidance, and localization but especially for full body motion tracking due to their low cost and miniaturization, which have allowed the estimation of kinematic parameters and biomechanical analysis for different field of applications. The aim of this work was to present a comprehensive approach of assistive technologies for VIP that include inertial sensors as input, producing results on the comprehension of technical characteristics of the inertial sensors, the methodologies applied, and their specific role in each developed system. The results show that there are just a few inertial sensor-based systems. However, these sensors provide essential information when combined with optical sensors and radio signals for navigation and special application fields. The discussion includes new avenues of research, missing elements, and usability analysis, since a limitation evidenced in the selected articles is the lack of user-centered designs. Finally, regarding application fields, it has been highlighted that a gap exists in the literature regarding aids for rehabilitation and biomechanical analysis of VIP. Most of the findings are focused on navigation and obstacle detection, and this should be considered for future applications.

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Validity of Inertial Sensors for Assessing Balance Kinematics and Mobility during Treadmill-Based Perturbation and Dance Training

Sensors ◽

10.3390/s21093065 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (9) ◽

pp. 3065

Author(s):

Ernest Kwesi Ofori ◽

Shuaijie Wang ◽

Tanvi Bhatt

Keyword(s):

Concurrent Validity ◽

Inertial Sensors ◽

Intraclass Correlation ◽

Correlation Coefficients ◽

Human Motion ◽

Intraclass Correlation Coefficients ◽

Dance Training ◽

Silver Standard ◽

Mean Square Errors ◽

Reactive Balance

Inertial sensors (IS) enable the kinematic analysis of human motion with fewer logistical limitations than the silver standard optoelectronic motion capture (MOCAP) system. However, there are no data on the validity of IS for perturbation training and during the performance of dance. The aim of this present study was to determine the concurrent validity of IS in the analysis of kinematic data during slip and trip-like perturbations and during the performance of dance. Seven IS and the MOCAP system were simultaneously used to capture the reactive response and dance movements of fifteen healthy young participants (Age: 18–35 years). Bland Altman (BA) plots, root mean square errors (RMSE), Pearson’s correlation coefficients (R), and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were used to compare kinematic variables of interest between the two systems for absolute equivalency and accuracy. Limits of agreements (LOA) of the BA plots ranged from −0.23 to 0.56 and −0.21 to 0.43 for slip and trip stability variables, respectively. The RMSE for slip and trip stabilities were from 0.11 to 0.20 and 0.11 to 0.16, respectively. For the joint mobility in dance, LOA varied from −6.98–18.54, while RMSE ranged from 1.90 to 13.06. Comparison of IS and optoelectronic MOCAP system for reactive balance and body segmental kinematics revealed that R varied from 0.59 to 0.81 and from 0.47 to 0.85 while ICC was from 0.50 to 0.72 and 0.45 to 0.84 respectively for slip–trip perturbations and dance. Results of moderate to high concurrent validity of IS and MOCAP systems. These results were consistent with results from similar studies. This suggests that IS are valid tools to quantitatively analyze reactive balance and mobility kinematics during slip–trip perturbation and the performance of dance at any location outside, including the laboratory, clinical and home settings.

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Ankle Muscle Activations during Different Foot-Strike Patterns in Running

Sensors ◽

10.3390/s21103422 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (10) ◽

pp. 3422

Author(s):

Jian-Zhi Lin ◽

Wen-Yu Chiu ◽

Wei-Hsun Tai ◽

Yu-Xiang Hong ◽

Chung-Yu Chen

Keyword(s):

Muscle Activity ◽

Muscle Activation ◽

Stance Phase ◽

Inertial Sensors ◽

Plantar Flexion ◽

Intraclass Correlation ◽

Biceps Femoris ◽

Ankle Muscle ◽

Foot Strike ◽

Muscle Activations

This study analysed the landing performance and muscle activity of athletes in forefoot strike (FFS) and rearfoot strike (RFS) patterns. Ten male college participants were asked to perform two foot strikes patterns, each at a running speed of 6 km/h. Three inertial sensors and five EMG sensors as well as one 24 G accelerometer were synchronised to acquire joint kinematics parameters as well as muscle activation, respectively. In both the FFS and RFS patterns, according to the intraclass correlation coefficient, excellent reliability was found for landing performance and muscle activation. Paired t tests indicated significantly higher ankle plantar flexion in the FFS pattern. Moreover, biceps femoris (BF) and gastrocnemius medialis (GM) activation increased in the pre-stance phase of the FFS compared with that of RFS. The FFS pattern had significantly decreased tibialis anterior (TA) muscle activity compared with the RFS pattern during the pre-stance phase. The results demonstrated that the ankle strategy focused on controlling the foot strike pattern. The influence of the FFS pattern on muscle activity likely indicates that an athlete can increase both BF and GM muscles activity. Altered landing strategy in cases of FFS pattern may contribute both to the running efficiency and muscle activation of the lower extremity. Therefore, neuromuscular training and education are required to enable activation in dynamic running tasks.

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