A review of wearable sensors and systems with application in rehabilitation

Abstract

The aim of this review paper is to summarize recent developments in the field of wearable sensors and systems that are relevant to the field of rehabilitation. The growing body of work focused on the application of wearable technology to monitor older adults and subjects with chronic conditions in the home and community settings justifies the emphasis of this review paper on summarizing clinical applications of wearable technology currently undergoing assessment rather than describing the development of new wearable sensors and systems. A short description of key enabling technologies (i.e. sensor technology, communication technology, and data analysis techniques) that have allowed researchers to implement wearable systems is followed by a detailed description of major areas of application of wearable technology. Applications described in this review paper include those that focus on health and wellness, safety, home rehabilitation, assessment of treatment efficacy, and early detection of disorders. The integration of wearable and ambient sensors is discussed in the context of achieving home monitoring of older adults and subjects with chronic conditions. Future work required to advance the field toward clinical deployment of wearable sensors and systems is discussed.

Figure 1

Illustration of a remote health monitoring system based on wearable sensors. Health related information is gathered via body-worn wireless sensors and transmitted to the caregiver via an information gateway such as a mobile phone. Caregivers can use this information to implement interventions as needed.

Figure 2

Flexible wireless ECG sensor with a fully functional microcontroller by IMEC. Developments in the field of flexible electronics are expected to lead to the advent of smaller, lighter and more comfortable wearable systems. (Courtesy of IMEC, The Netherlands).

Figure 3

Example of e-textile system for remote, continuous monitoring of physiological and movement data. Embedded sensors provide one with the capability of recording electrocardiographic data (ECG) using different electrode configurations as well as electromyographic (EMG) data. Additional sensors allow one to record thoracic and abdominal signals associated with respiration and movement data related to stretching of the garment with shoulder movements. (Courtesy of Smartex, Italy).

Figure 4

Smart phone based ECG monitoring system by IMEC. The Android based mobile application allows low power ECG sensors to communicate wirelessly with the phone. With increasing computational and storage capacity and ubiquitous connectivity, smart phones are expected to truly enable continuous health monitoring. (Courtesy of IMEC, The Netherlands).

Figure 5

Ambient sensors can unobtrusively monitor individuals in the home environment. Ambient sensors can monitor activity patterns, sleep quality, bathroom visits etc. and provide alerts to caregivers when abnormal patterns are observed. Such sensors are expected to make the home of the future smarter and safer for patients living with chronic conditions.

Figure 6

The ProeTEX project aims to develop smart garments for emergency responders. These smart garments integrate sensors, communication, processing and power management directly into the garment to continuously monitor emergency responders. (Courtesy of Smartex, Italy).

Figure 7

The Valedo low back pain therapy system by Hocoma AG combines wireless wearable motion sensors with interactive games to provide an engaging way to perform therapeutic exercises. Patients can set therapy goals, receive feedback on their performance and keep track of their progress. (Courtesy of Hocoma, Switzerland).