Online Archive of University of Virginia Scholarship
Detection and Prevention of Forward Head Posture with Body Sensor Networks831 views
Author
Kim, Taeyoung, Electrical Engineering - School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Virginia
Advisors
Lach, John, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Virginia
Abstract
Forward Head Posture (FHP) is a common musculoskeletal disorder correlated with neck pain that affects a large percentage of the population. Research has shown that providing feedback for posture correction can help combat FHP and reduce the associated neck pain. Currently, the methods for head posture detection have limited effectiveness due to the immobility and invasiveness of the monitoring systems and/or the inaccurate results they produce.
This thesis offers a continuous, non-invasive solution for assessing craniovertebral (CV) angle for FHP detection using a wireless inertial body sensor platform. The results obtained are validated against a conventional in-clinic method, the Electronics Head Posture Instrument (EHPI), demonstrating the possibility of pervasive detection of FHP. In addition, a real-time bio-feedback mechanism for postural correction and prevention is presented, and results from a pilot study show its effectiveness in reducing the amount of time subjects spend in FHP.
Degree
MS (Master of Science)
Keywords
Wireless Health; Medical Application; Forward Head Posture; Posture Correction; Body Sensor Networks
Language
English
Rights
All rights reserved (no additional license for public reuse)
Kim, Taeyoung. Detection and Prevention of Forward Head Posture with Body Sensor Networks. University of Virginia, Electrical Engineering - School of Engineering and Applied Science, MS (Master of Science), 2012-05-08, https://doi.org/10.18130/V3RM1Q.
