Wearable Spine Assessment in Adults With and Without Low Back or Neck Pain: A Single-Site Observational Feasibility and Validity Study
Ashkan Vaziri
Summary
This is a single-site, prospective, observational, single-visit feasibility and validity study. Adult participants with and without low back or neck pain will be screened, consented, and enrolled to undergo a structured wearable-sensor-based spine assessment in a single on-site visit. Approximately 20 participants will be enrolled at a single site: * Approximately 10 adults with self-reported chronic or subacute low back or neck pain (LBP/Neck Pain group) * Approximately 10 adults without current back or neck pain (Control group) The AxiSens battery includes the Fingertip-to-Floor (FTF) test for lumbar flexion, the Chin-to-Chest (CTC) test for cervical flexion, a seated Trunk Stability Test on an unstable surface, the Cervical Flexor Endurance Test, the five-times sit-to-stand F5xSTS) test, and a brief functional task module covering overhead and forward reach. To support intra-rater repeatability characterization, the AxiSens wearable assessment is performed twice within the same visit by a single trained operator, with sensor doffing and re-donning between the two assessments. A short rest interval is provided between the two assessments. Following the on-site assessment, participants complete a brief end-of-session usability and tolerability questionnaire and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) questionnaire.
Description
Low back and neck pain are among the most common, costly, and disabling musculoskeletal conditions in the United States and worldwide. Low back pain is the leading cause of years lived with disability globally, and neck pain is consistently within the top ten. Both are leading drivers of healthcare expenditure, exceeding spending on diabetes, heart disease, and cancer in some recent analyses. Despite this magnitude, the clinical assessment of spine function remains heavily reliant on subjective self-report and clinician examination, with limited use of objective, quantitative, point-of-care me…