Compensatory Movement Detection through Inertial Sensor Positioning for Post-stroke Rehabilitation

An increasing ageing society and consequently rising number of post-stroke related neurological dysfunction patients are forcing the rehabilitation field to adapt to ever-growing demands. In parallel, an unprecedented number of research efforts and technological solutions meant for human monitoring are continuously influencing traditional methodologies, causing paradigm shifts; extending the therapist patient dynamics. Compensatory movements can be observed in post-stroke patient when performing functional tasks. Although some controversy remains regarding the functional benefits of compensatory movement as a way of accomplish a given task, even in the presence of a motor deficit; studies suggest that such maladaptive strategies may limit the plasticity of the nervous system to enhance neuro-motor recovery. This preliminary study intends to aid in the development of a system for compensatory movement detection in stroke patients through the use of accelerometry data. A post-stroke patients group is presented and discussed, instructed to perform reach and press movements while sensors were positioned at different location on the arm, forearm and trunk, in order to assess sensor positioning influence. Results suggest that P1 is advantageous for compensatory elevation movement detection at the shoulder; P4 seems the most appropriate for detecting the abduction; and P5 presents a reasonable sensitivity for detection of anteriorization and rotation of the trunk.