Wearable Sensors and Motion Analysis for Neurological Patient Support

Abstract

This work discusses the state of the art and challenges in using wearable sensors for the monitoring of neurological patients. The authors share their experience from their participation in numerous projects, ranging from drug trials to rehabilitation intervention assessment, and identify the obstacles in the way of the integrated adoption of wearable sensors in clinical and rehabilitation practices for neurological patients. Several highly promising developments are outlined and analyzed. It is considered that intelligent textiles are an attractive option, as they offer an esthetic outlook to and positive interaction with their users.

Keywords: intelligent textiles; monitoring; neurology patients; rehabilitation; wearable sensors.

Figure 1

Wearable sensors: (a) Polar^® heart rate monitor; (b) Pedar^® pressure measurement insole; (c) Typical inertia measurement unit; (d) motion detection jacket by Philips and Levi Strauss.

Figure 1

Wearable sensors: (a) Polar^® heart rate monitor; (b) Pedar^® pressure measurement insole; (c) Typical inertia measurement unit; (d) motion detection jacket by Philips and Levi Strauss.

Figure 2

First-generation intelligent overcoat that contains sensors and actuators developed by the University of Arts London, UK.

Figure 3

(a) Typical knitted sensor made of silver filaments typically attached to a garment; (b) more sophisticated textile sensors with carbon filaments; (c) comparative test between two sets of sensors on tissue conductivity.

Figure 4

Key aspects that contribute to the enhancement of user comfort in wearable sensor design.

Figure 5

The challenges and opportunities for the integration of sensor-generated data into clinical workflows for improved patient outcomes and clinical workflows.