BioMedical Engineering OnLine (Feb 2024)

Feasibility of using a depth camera or pressure mat for visual feedback balance training with functional electrical stimulation

  • Derrick Lim,
  • William Pei,
  • Jae W. Lee,
  • Kristin E. Musselman,
  • Kei Masani

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12938-023-01191-y
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 23, no. 1
pp. 1 – 17

Abstract

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Abstract Individuals with incomplete spinal-cord injury/disease are at an increased risk of falling due to their impaired ability to maintain balance. Our research group has developed a closed-loop visual-feedback balance training (VFBT) system coupled with functional electrical stimulation (FES) for rehabilitation of standing balance (FES + VFBT system); however, clinical usage of this system is limited by the use of force plates, which are expensive and not easily accessible. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of a more affordable and accessible sensor such as a depth camera or pressure mat in place of the force plate. Ten able-bodied participants (7 males, 3 females) performed three sets of four different standing balance exercises using the FES + VFBT system with the force plate. A depth camera and pressure mat collected centre of mass and centre of pressure data passively, respectively. The depth camera showed higher Pearson's correlation (r > 98) and lower root mean squared error (RMSE 0.82; RMSE < 4.5 mm) when compared with the force plate overall. Stimulation based on the depth camera showed lower RMSE than that based on the pressure mat relative to the FES + VFBT system. The depth camera shows potential as a replacement sensor to the force plate for providing feedback to the FES + VFBT system.

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