Proposed Topic (Most preferred): :
Research and Innovations (new projects / technology / innovations / service models)
Authors (including presenting author) :
Yu JKP(1) *, Tsoi KM(1) , Chan MKL(1) , Ma EWL(1)
Affiliation :
(1)Community Rehabilitation Service Support Center, Hospital Authority, Hong Kong
Introduction :
Improper positioning of the shoulder joint among children with unilateral shoulder motor impairment during handwriting has been shown to potentially hinder optimal musculoskeletal maturation and whole-body alignment progression. Typical manifestations include shoulder medial rotation, shoulder adduction, shoulder girdle depression and scapula protraction. These postural abnormalities are thought to arise from deficiencies in strength and control of the deltoid musculature on the affected side. Maintenance of improper alignment over extended periods of writing engagement throughout early developmental stages could theoretically propagate dysfunctional patterns with long-term effects on structuring and movement capability of affected anatomical regions if left unaddressed.
Objectives :
To address the challenges faced by children with deltoid paralysis during writing tasks, there is a pressing need for an innovative device that can detect and alert them to poor posture. Existing interventions primarily focus on therapeutic exercises and orthotic support to enhance shoulder function and stability.
Methodology :
Rehabilitation engineer in Community Rehabilitation Service Support Center(CRSSC) designed a wearable motion sensor that intended to be affixed above the deltoid muscle. The device is capable of continual dynamic tracking of shoulder joint positioning in real-time. Upon algorithmic identification of postural configurations outside predetermined reference ranges, the system initiates both tactile and auditory notifications. Such corrective signaling is aimed at eliciting an immediate proprioceptive response from the user to facilitate re-establishment of optimal alignment during writing tasks.
Result & Outcome :
The efficacy of the wearable device was assessed in children with unilateral shoulder motor impairment through comprehensive evaluations incorporating objective and subjective measures. Objective posture, range of motion and muscle strength assessments demonstrated improved postural alignment, increased joint mobility and enhanced strength following device use. Subjectively, children and caregivers reported positive perceptions of improved body symmetry and development. Both instrumented and experiential lines of evidence thereby suggest preliminary effectiveness of the wearable technology in positively effect on range of movement and strength of performances over the study period. In conclusion, initial results suggest the system capably encourages appropriate shoulder positioning during writing tasks, diminishing unwanted postural abnormalities. By facilitating balanced musculoskeletal development, the wearable intervention may contribute to mitigating associated disorders with longer use. Further research should explore the long-term effects on body development in this population. The preliminary findings highlight promise for the device to favorably influence structural evolution in pediatric clients presenting with isolated immobility of one shoulder joint.
