Evaluating a wearable biofeedback device for reducing end-range sagittal lumbar spine flexion among home caregivers. (November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kamachi, Megan; Owlia, Mohammadhasan; Dutta, Tilak
• Is Part Of: Applied ergonomics. Volume 97(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-11
• Subjects: Biofeedback -- Back injury -- Spine flexion; Human engineering -- Periodicals; 620.82
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2021.103547
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-6870

Abstract

Abstract: Caregivers who work in the home environment are at risk of back injury due to the awkward postures they have to adopt while providing care. Real-time biofeedback provided by a recently developed wearable device (PostureCoach) may be able to reduce this risk. The effectiveness of a two-day training intervention (including PostureCoach and an educational video) was evaluated for its ability to decrease the amount of time spent in end-range spine flexion. Twenty novice caregivers repeated a series of simulated care tasks. Real-time auditory biofeedback was provided to the intervention group (n = 10) when participants' sagittal lumbar spine flexion exceeded a preset threshold during training trials. Participants in the control group (n = 10) received no feedback. Participants repeated the tasks again two weeks and two months post-intervention. The intervention group maintained decreased end-range (80th and 95th percentile) spine flexion compared to controls at both post-intervention time points. Highlights: Biofeedback provided during caregiving tasks showed reductions in spine flexion. Changes in movement patterns resulting from biofeedback were retained after two months. An educational component may be necessary but not sufficient for changing behaviour.