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There are multiple studies that purport the benefits of exercise for musculoskeletal disorders. While we often refer our patients to a physical therapist for exercise instruction, we do not know what happens once the patient is no longer being supervised by the therapist. Furthermore, there are many patients who simply cannot make it into a therapist because they live in a rural area or because of work hour limitations. Another problem with our recommended exercises is that they are often characterized as boring. I would like to develop a device which could not only monitor the compliance of our patients with their exercise regimen, but which would also make the exercises more enjoyable. I envision a device that would serve as an interface between the patient and a computer. The computer could first demonstrate the proper technique for performance of an exercise (or reinforce technique for a patient who has already visited a therapist). The device would then monitor the posture and basic body position of the patient during his exercises, input that data into a computer, and provide feedback to the patient in the form of some type of computer game. Data about the exercise game performance could then be forwarded to our central computer data bank where compliance issues could be assessed. Additionally, heart rate data could be monitored to help ensure that exercises were being performed in a safe fashion, especially for those with underlying cardiovascular conditions. I expect the device to improve functional outcomes in a wide variety of back pain patients for whom we routinely prescribe therapeutic exercises.
The device needs to accurately measure the degree of spine bending from a neutral position in the midsagittal (median) and coronal (frontal) planes (i.e., 3D) between the thoracic region of the spine and the sacrum. This means that the patient’s spinal movements need to be monitored in flexion/extension and lateral motions. The device needs to be able to monitor these positions using real-time measurements and provide feedback to a patient to ensure compliance of therapeutic back exercises. A wireless computer system will monitor the device; software will demonstrate correct techniques and record measurements. A computer game will be incorporated to provide motivational feedback to the patient. Data will be saved and sent to a clinic for analysis of exercise compliance.
