Validity and Feasibility of Remote Measurement Systems for Functional
Movement and Posture Assessments in People with Axial Spondylarthritis
Abstract
Introduction Axial spondylarthritis (axSpA) is a chronic inflammatory
disease and commonly results in pain and joint stiffness. Using remote
technology, such as a computer vision-aided system, has the potential to
monitor functional movement and posture. Methods The validity of the
remote technology measurement of functional movement and posture were
tested cross-sectionally and compared to a standard clinical measurement
by a physiotherapist. The feasibility of remote implementation was
tested in a home environment. In addition, a cost-benefit analysis was
conducted. Results Thirty-one participants with axSpA (42% female,
54(SD 13) years old and 27.4(SD 5.3) kg/m2) and 31 participants without
back pain (65% female, 36(SD 10) years old and 25.9(3.7) kg/m2). In the
axSpA group, the validity of assessment on cervical rotation, lumbar
flexion, lumbar side flexion, shoulder flexion, hip abduction,
tragus-to-wall and thoracic kyphosis showed significant moderate to
strong correlation; in the non-back pain group, the same measures showed
significant correlation ranging from weak to strong. Conclusions Remote
technology systems in rehabilitation have the potential to reduce health
inequality and improve cost and time effectiveness for both patients and
the health system. Additionally, results show that using this Computer
Vision-aided system in a home environment is a safe method.