Measurement of covered curvature based on a tape of integrated accelerometers

Quantitative measurements of spinal curvature can indicate the health of the human musculoskeletal system. However, existing measurement techniques are not feasible for unexposed back. This study used accelerometers to develop a portable, noninvasive, nonradiative, and cost-efficient device to quantitatively measure spinal curvature in real time. The measurement accuracy is approximately 99% when measuring a ø200-mm circle. Compared with the results of the three-dimensional motion analysis system, the device exhibited curvature results that were highly consistent in the Bland-Altman test (cervical lordosis angle (CLA): r = 0.973, thoracic kyphosis angle (TKA): r = 0.993, lumbar lordosis angle (LLA): r = 0.961, and spinal alignment trendline (SAT): r = 0.978). Repeatability test results: CLA = 37.63 ± 2.24°, TKA = 32.48 ± 0.98°, and LLA = 15.64 ± 1.12°. Thus, the proposed device can provide accurate and reliable quantitative measurements and can be used for spinal curvature measurements in the supine position.