A 3-dimensional assessment and feedback system for ankylosing spondylitis

Li, S

Abstract

This research aims to understand how 3-D visualisation can support the assessment of a chronic arthritic condition. The focus is on the assessment and associated feedback of
information by the clinician.
The assessment of any chronic disease is an integral part of the treatment. In the case of Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), it is particularly important as it helps to determine whether or not pharmaceutical and/or surgical interventions are required for a patient. The assessment process for a patient with AS is currently overseen by the physiotherapist.
There is growing awareness that the current protocols and means of taking measurements are both inaccurate and inconsistent. Therefore, the objective of this research is to investigate whether utilising 3-D visualisation technology can enhance the current assessment and feedback process by augmenting assessment instruments and by
visualizing the function of a subject in ways afforded by a 3-D visualisation tool.
From a consideration of the physical therapy process, a simplified assessment and feedback model is developed and used to understand where a new tool might add value.
A 3-D visualisation research tool is prototyped, to include both subjective and objective aspects of current assessment instruments. The Bath Indices for AS were used to test the
limits of the prototype as these are acknowledged as the gold standard of assessment for this condition.
To verify the prototype, experiments were carried out, collecting motion data and measurement data from a healthy adult in a laboratory environment. To validate the
prototype, a qualitative evaluation was undertaken using a pilot study, focus group and individual interview methods. Participants are experts in this condition and comprised
physiotherapists in both service and academia. The results of the evaluation suggested that 3-D visualisation and a prototype for evaluation, as developed in this research, would enhance assessment and feedback from the physiotherapist's perspective. Furthermore, it would be beneficial to the treatment of AS with respect to obtaining subjective and objective measures, and supporting exercise activity.

Citation

Li, S. A 3-dimensional assessment and feedback system for ankylosing spondylitis. (Thesis). University of Salford

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Oct 3, 2012
• Award Date: Jan 1, 2010