Thesis

Computerised automated feedback systems for sit-to-stand training

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Awarding institution
  • University of Strathclyde
Date of award
  • 2019
Thesis identifier
  • T15320
Person Identifier (Local)
  • 201389294
Qualification Level
Qualification Name
Department, School or Faculty
Abstract
  • The ability to stand-up from sitting declines with age. Manual rehabilitation services are being challenged by the increasingly older frailer population with patients are receiving sub-optimal access to professional therapy. Technology may offer solutions. Following a review of the literature as well as clinical observations, user surveys and interviews, an initial design specification for a computerised automated feedback system for sit-to-stand training was generated. A virtual reality system with audio-visual feedback on performance was subsequently developed. This prototype used an inertial sensor and a portable force plate to provide raw movement data. A Kalman-filter based sensor-fusion algorithm was designed to tackle signal-processing issues. A sit-to-stand detection algorithm, using a finite state machine, then analysed and detected crucial movement events, before a fuzzy-logic decision-making algorithm generated the final audio-visual feedback presented to users in a user-friendly manner to augment their sit-to-stand training. A phase two pilot randomised controlled trial was conducted at a geriatric rehabilitation unit. All participants underwent functional assessments and had their daily sit-to-stand and step counts recorded forty-eight hours before the study began and at the end of the trial. The experimental group received the technology augmented sit-to-stand training for four weeks, three sessions a week, while the control group received standard physiotherapy. Sixteen participants completed the trial, eight in each group. An increase in daily sit-to-stand movements and improved scores on clinical measures of mobility were all statistically significantly (p<0.05) better than the control group. Participants and therapists found the system motivating, intuitive and enjoyable. The computerised biofeedback was considered by users to be superior to standard therapy for providing motivation and engagement with rehabilitation. A novel, technology-based, feedback system, designed collaboratively with end-users to enhance sit-to-stand training in older adults, was found to be acceptable and feasible for clinical environments, suggesting great potential for future geriatric rehabilitation.
Advisor / supervisor
  • Kerr, Andy, Ph. D.
  • Thomson, Avril
Resource Type
DOI
Date Created
  • 2019
Former identifier
  • 9912747792802996

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