Evaluation of a wireless three dimensional MEMS accelerometer reflex quantification device using an artificial reflex system

An essential aspect for the neurological examination is the assessment of the deep tendon reflex. The deep tendon reflex is commonly conducted by a clinician through evoking the patellar tendon reflex. The significant parameters are the reflex response and the latency of the reflex loop. The characteristics of the reflex response and latency are representative of the severity and status attributes for upper motor neuron syndrome and peripheral neuropathy. The qualitative assessment from a clinician can be quantified through an ordinal scale, for example the NINDS myotatic reflex scale. The accuracy of the ordinal scales for reflex response quantification is a subject of controversy. Another issue is the ordinal scales do not include temporal characterization of the reflex response. Latency can be derived with electrodiagnostic examination. However, electrodiagnostic examinations inherently involve the use of specialized and expensive resources. An alternative system that integrates tandem operated wireless 3D MEMS accelerometers for the quantification of reflex response and latency has been developed. The reflex response is quantified through positioning a wireless 3D MEMS accelerometer on the lower leg. A tandem and synchronized wireless 3D MEMS accelerometer is mounted to the swing arm that provides a quantified input for evoking the reflex. Latency is derived from the temporal disparity of the synchronized acceleration waveforms from the tandem wireless 3D MEMS accelerometers. Given the inherent variability of the deep tendon reflex, a mechanical artificial reflex device has been developed to evaluate the reflex quantification system incorporating wireless 3D MEMS accelerometers. The test and evaluation of the wireless 3D MEMS accelerometer reflex quantification system demonstrates considerable precision and accuracy imperative for reproducibility.