An Analysis of the Motion Pattern of a Bedside Exercise Rehabilitation Program Using a 3-axis Accelerometer

Systematic exercise is required for patients with degenerative joint conditions and the elderly in need of others' help. In this study, the authors developed 30 bed rehabilitation exercises for the elderly to conduct easily on a bed using their upper extremity muscles and fine motor muscles. However, the rehabilitation exercises are effective only if those who do them have the will to continue them. Many people are taking advantage of ICT, such as on their smartphones, for constant exercise management. In this paper, the authors suggested five different motions for bedside rehabilitation exercises and obtained experimental results from the motion patterns using a three-axis acceleration sensor of the smart phone. Each motion of the rehabilitation exercises has a specific pattern, which is composed of x, y, and z-coordinates from acceleration sensor of the smart phone. Further studies on the development of motion detectors/guides for assisting bedside rehabilitation exercises are needed.