Design of Digital ROM (Range of Motion) Measurement System

In medical terminology Range of Motion (ROM) refers to full movement potential of a joint. In case of numerous diseases and accidents (like paralysis or fractures) it becomes necessary for doctors to measure ROM in order to diagnose the extent of damage caused to a particular joint. According to our

Project Title

Design of Digital ROM (Range of Motion) Measurement System

Project Area of Specialization

Wearables and Implantable

Project Summary

In medical terminology Range of Motion (ROM) refers to full movement potential of a joint. In case of numerous diseases and accidents (like paralysis or fractures) it becomes necessary for doctors to measure ROM in order to diagnose the extent of damage caused to a particular joint. According to our research and survey in various hospitals of Pakistan, doctors are still relying on manual and inefficient methods like visual estimation and manual goniometer to measure ROM. Our project is to design a wearable digital device which measures ROM in a cost effective and time efficient manner and also compares the measured values with standard values and provide results in a user friendly way which can easily be understood by patients.Figure.1 illustrates the conceptual design of the project. We will design multiple user interfaces; a desktop app, an android app and a virtual reality (VR) app where user can visualize the joint movement in 3D environment so that they can easily monitor their progress and conveniently perform different therapeutic exercises in an interactive environment. In addition to that, VR app can give them immersive experience of a game environment, it can help them isolate from their existing environment and make them forget about the pain by diverting their concentration. The game environment (virtual reality) also motivates them to play where the actual purpose is to exercise and score.

Fig.1 conceptual design of project.

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Project Objectives

• Measure ROM without causing any major inconvenience to the subject.
• Database maintenance and record of the patients to monitor their progress.
• Statistically analyze the measured data through different therapeutic exercises for joints and compare data with standard values.
• To develop a user interface that can present the results in user friendly mode and export the ROM data to hospitals/ consultants.
• To provide patients a 3D virtual interactive environment where they can conveniently exercise in fun and easy way.
• To help people save their time and money without compromising on their health.

Project Implementation Method

The project implementation phases are illustrated in Fig. 2 and the project processing in flow chart in Fig.3.

Fig.2 Project implementation phases

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Fig.3 Project processing logic & steps

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• The wearable digital device measures joint’s Range Of Motion, using MPU 6050 inertial measurement Unit.
• Drift in the MPU 6050 will be eliminated by using AHRS (Attitude Heading Reference System) sensor fusion algorithm.
• NODEMCU (ESP8266) arduino board does the signal conditioning of raw data, eliminates the error and exports ROM data wirelessly to User interfaces.
• A small digital0.96” OLED display attached to the wearable device will show ROM readings.
• 3D object for visualization of arm movement is created using Blender 3D (software).
•  Mobile, laptop and VR apps are designed using Processing software which is open source software. It is user friendly and compatible with wide range of hardware components (arduinoboards).

• The data extracted from the device through different therapeutic exercises for joints will be statistically analyzed and compared with standard values to get reliable results. Statistical analysis method will be chosen from the following lists yielding best possible results:

1. Means and standard deviation (SD).
2. Kolmogorov-Smironov test.
3. Paired and independent t test.
4. Chi-square test.
5. Significance or p value.

• To make the experience more easy and fun, we will provide our users a gaming environment where each successfully performed exercise routine will result in an increase in game scores.
•  Database of each patient’s daily exercise routine will be transported to Doctors over WIFI when needed or scheduled.

Benefits of the Project

ROM measurement using manual instrument is a time consuming process. Patients recovering from joint fractures and dislocations need to constantly visit physiotherapist and they need to maintain a regular exercise schedule. This can be very costly and time consuming. The current digital instruments, used to measure ROM, are very costly and hard to use; also these are not available in most of the hospitals in Pakistan.In comparison to these instruments our system will be more cost effective, time efficient and more technically feasible so it will be easily available in Pakistan. In addition to that our system will be user friendly; it can be easily used and handled by anyone which eliminates the need of a technical instructor. Our device will help patient exercise and monitor their progress in an easy and convenient manner without having to visit hospitals on regular basis.Our device will contribute to the health sector in a way that people would not ignore their physical health due to lack of time or money. It will also increase productivity of doctors and hospitals that will be able to give time to more patients as they would not need to perform complicated measurements manually.

Technical Details of Final Deliverable

The final product will be a wearable sleeve (incorporating a MPU 6050 motion sensor) that will be worn over a joint, it will measure Range of Motion of that joint and display readings on a small digital display incorporated in sleeve. This wearable hardware will be accompanied by desktop, mobile and VR apps. These applications will be created using Processing Software.

These applications will:

• Display patient arm movement in 3D
• Help the patient exercise by displaying instructional exercises side by side as shown in Fig.4 & 5
• Compare the patient’s data with standard values.

Each patient’s data will be saved and that data will be exported to doctor/ caregiver when needed.

Fig. 4 Desktop app displaying arm movement and instructional exercise.

(images/Design of Digital ROM (Range of Motion) Measurement System _1582917704.png)

Fig 5.Android app displaying arm movement and instructional exercise.

(images/Design of Digital ROM (Range of Motion) Measurement System _1582917705.png)

Final Deliverable of the Project

HW/SW integrated system

Type of Industry

Health

Technologies

Wearables and Implantables

Sustainable Development Goals

Good Health and Well-Being for People

Required Resources

If you need this project, please contact me on contact@adikhanofficial.com