In Vivo Measurement of Humeral Elevation Angles and Exposure Using a Triaxial Accelerometer

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to measure the capability of a triaxial accelerometer (Virtual Corset) to collect humeral elevation angles and exposure parameters in a simulated occupational environment. Background: There is a need for an economical ambulatory device to estimate elevation angles and exposure parameters in occupational groups. Method: A magnetic tracking device was used to assess the ability of the Virtual Corset to evaluate humeral elevation angles and identify exposure parameters with in vivo dynamic conditions for 16 female dental hygienists. Results: Significant differences were found for the reaching task with the Virtual Corset, underestimating the means of the average humeral elevation angle by 10° and the means for the range of the humeral elevation by 4°. Furthermore, significant differences were found for the exposure parameters with the Virtual Corset, overestimating the jerk by 4% and underestimating the percentage time above 40° and 60° by 9% and 4%, respectively. However, the Virtual Corset was able to identify similar kinematics patterns and exposure data when compared with a magnetic tracking device. Conclusion: The outcomes of the study suggest that the Virtual Corset may be useful for data collection during a dental hygienist workday. Professions that have similar patterns of angular velocity and acceleration and humeral range of elevation as the dental hygienist flossing technique may benefit from the use of the Virtual Corset. Application: This study provides evidence that the Virtual Corset can be used to reconstruct humeral elevation angles and identify exposure parameters in some tasks of dental hygienists.