Development of a Sensor-Based Movement Biomarker to Capture Upper Extremity Use During Daily Activities in Individuals with Cervical Spinal Cord Injury
Abstract
In 2020, the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center estimated that approximately 294,000 people with spinal cord injury (SCI) were living in the US, with approximately 17,810 new cases reported each year. Sixty percent of these individuals have cervical level injuries, which results in tetraplegia due to motor impairments post-injury. Individuals with tetraplegia have indicated that improvement in upper extremity function is one of the most significant factors in improving their quality of life. Furthermore, the recovery of upper extremity function in individuals with cervical SCI, post-injury, has proven to be of high clinical importance due to the critical role upper extremities play in performing everyday activities and leading an independent life. In the last decade, researchers have developed clinical assessments that capture upper extremity functional capacity. However, there is a knowledge gap about how change in upper extremity functional capacity relates to the use of upper extremities for daily activities in individuals with SCI. To address this need, the goal of this research study is to develop a wearable sensor-based movement biomarker that can be used to analyze the relationship between change in upper extremity function and upper extremity use for individuals with SCI during daily activities. A primary objective of this study is to determine characteristics of the movement biomarker (e.g., rate of movement, range of motion, and rotation) that relate to the capacity and performance of upper extremity function at an inpatient rehabilitation facility or in the community. A secondary objective is to determine personalized characteristics of the movement biomarker that relates change in upper extremity function with increased use of upper extremities for daily activities at an inpatient rehabilitation facility. A tertiary objective is to determine personalized characteristics and movement patterns from the movement biomarker that relates specific upper extremity rehabilitation training with increased use of upper extremities for daily activities at an inpatient rehabilitation facility. Our research teams from Temple University, Regional SCI Center of the Delaware Valley – Thomas Jefferson University, and Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center Philadelphia, in partnership with individuals with SCI and a consumer advocate will develop and evaluate a wearable sensor-based movement biomarker for individuals with SCI. The sensor-based movement biomarker we plan to develop and evaluate will automatically detect change in upper extremity function and upper extremity use for individuals with SCI. The wearable sensor-based movement biomarker utilizes commercially available devices that are affordable and convenient to wear. At the completion of our study (September 2024), the technology will be accessible to other researchers and developers in order to accelerate continued progression of our advancements for the most immediate benefit to individuals with SCI. The results of our study will allow our team and other researchers to propose and conduct clinical trials aimed at assessing and improving upper extremity function for individuals with SCI. Accurate measurement of upper extremity function and use during daily activities will not only enable more research on existing rehabilitation training, but also allow insight on new just-in-time adaptive intervention technologies that may help individuals with SCI become more active in everyday life. This work also has the potential to assist researchers interested in designing engaging rehabilitation interventions for individuals with SCI. Testing of innovative strategies in personal health informatics through use of wearable monitors will allow us to advance SCI research and support preventive care provided to Veterans and individuals with SCI.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Dec 05, 2021
- Source ID
- W81XWH2110637
Entities
People
- Shivayogi V Hiremath
Organizations
- Temple University
- United States Army