Inertial Sensors Embedded in Smartphones as a Tool for Fatigue Assessment Based on Acceleration in Survivors of Breast Cancer. Issue 3 (7th February 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cuesta-Vargas, Antonio Ignacio; Pajares, Bella; Trinidad-Fernandez, Manuel; Alba, Emilio; Roldan-Jiménez, Cristina
• Is Part Of: Physical therapy. Volume 100:Issue 3(2020)
• Page Start: 447
• Page End: 456
• Publication Date: 2020-02-07
• Subjects: Physical therapy -- Periodicals; Physical therapy; Physical Therapy Modalities; Rehabilitation; Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine; Periodicals; 615.8205
• DOI: 10.1093/ptj/pzz173
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0031-9023

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Cancer-related fatigue is a symptom commonly reported in survivors of breast cancer and is the most variable symptom. Besides questionnaires like PIPER to assess cancer-related fatigue, there is a need to objectively measure fatigue. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the physiological dimension of fatigue based on acceleration during a 30-second maximal sit-to-stand test. Design: This was a cross-sectional study. Methods: Linear acceleration from a smartphone placed on the sternum was recorded in 70 survivors of breast cancer. Fourth-degree polynomial adjustment from the acceleration signal to the vertical and anterior-posterior axis was calculated. The fatigue temporal cut-off point was detected as a change in the curve slope of the first maximum point of acceleration. Results: Women were aged 51.8 (8.9) years with a body mass index of 25.4 (5.1) Kg/m 2 . They performed 23.6 (6.57) number of repetitions. The mean fatigue cut-off point from the total sample was 10.2 (3.1) seconds. Limitations: Further research should employ time-prolonged tests to study acceleration behavior beyond 30 seconds as well as include a physiological criterion that justifies the nonlinear saturation of the acceleration-based criterion. Conclusions: This study assessed fatigue through a low-cost and easy-to-use methodology during a functional and widely used test such as 30-second maximal sit-to-stand. This would allow clinicians to assess fatigue in a short-effort exercise to individualize exercise prescription dose, measure changes during intervention, and track fatigue objectively throughout survivorship.