Enabling inertial sensor-based muscle activation in people with pelvic floor dysfunction

Enabling inertial sensor-based muscle activation in people with pelvic floor dysfunction

Engineering for the Information Society and Sustainable Development

Alfonso Bahillo Martínez (University of Deusto) –
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Alfonso_Bahillo
Juan Jesús García Domínguez (University of Alcalá de Henares) –
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Juan_Garcia25

DeustoTech is a research institute at Faculty of Engineering of the University of Deusto for applied and basic research for the development of novel ICTs applications. Deustotech focuses its activity around TRLs 2-7 and articulates it into different applied fields: Health, Industry, Mobility, Energy and Society. It channels advanced ICT activity into business and society through research, development, innovation and knowledge transfer. https://deustotech.deusto.es/
Geintra (http://www.geintra-uah.org/en) is an official research group at the University of Alcala, and classified as high-performance group. Its main objective is to develop basic and applied research activities in topics related to intelligent spaces and intelligent transport and infrastructure systems. Within this general objective are included research lines related to design and conception of electronic systems, sensor data fusion, positioning systems, behaviour analysis, intelligent transport systems, computer vision. medical imaging and ambient intelligence for independent living.
The MSCA IF candidate will be incorporated in a subgroup of the Mobility research Unit at DeustoTech. For more information: http://mobility.deustotech.eu/. Besides, the candidate will be hosted on a one long-term research stay at the University of Alcalá de Henares (at least for 6 months).

We are looking for master students with strong background in at least one of the next areas:
– Wireless body sensor networks, mechanomyography, muscle vibration, muscle activation, human-centered computing, artificial intelligent techniques, signal processing.
Researchers with experience in the application of any of the previous techniques in the field of muscle activation sensing will be especially welcome.
Eligible researchers are required to undertake transnational mobility and shall not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Spain for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the reference date. Advanced command of English (C1 or equivalent) is desired. Knowledge of Spanish is not a requirement.

• Information Sciences and Engineering (ENG)
• Mathematics (MAT)
• Physics (PHY)

According to World Health Organization, urinary incontinence is a disease that is not natural nor inevitable, and it should be treated. This provokes a negative impact on daily living and costs in terms of productivity and health services. It is well known that pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) exercises and lifestyle interventions are an effective treatment. However, it is hard for many patients to learn how to contract or to “feel” the muscles that must be exercised. It has been found that 30–50% of women are unaware of their pelvic floor and they do not know how to actively contract PFMs. Some mechanic devices can be used to help to strengthen PFMs, but these do not provide biofeedback on its correct active contraction. The shape of these devices allows to track the movement of the inner walls of the vagina, visualizing how the muscles are contracted through a device extension. The proposed research will focus on the development of an inertial-based sensory system and the appropriate signal processing to help the patients to learn the muscles that should be actively contracted and to get an automatic feedback about their correct contraction and performance during PFMs exercises. The most ambitious objective will be to enable patients’ proprioception when training their PFMs. The success of this research will promote the development of a wearable device (gender-differentiated) to help patients in the learning and training sessions assisted by competent health professionals.

T. Otim, A. Bahillo, L.E. Díez, P. López, F. Falcone, Towards Sub-Meter Level UWB Indoor Localization using Body Wearable Sensors, IEEE Access (Volume: 8, 2020, pp. 178886-178899). DOI: 10.1109/ACCESS.2020.3027669.

L.E. Díez, A. Bahillo, J. Otegui, T. Otim, Suitability Analysis of Wrist-worn Sensors for Implementing Pedestrian Dead Reckoning Systems, IEEE Sensors Journal (Volume: 18, Issue: 2, Jun. 2018, pp. 5098 – 5114). DOI: 10.1109/JSEN.2018.2830809.

L.E. Díez, A. Bahillo, J. Otegui, T. Otim, Step Length Estimation Methods Based on Inertial Sensors: A Review, IEEE Sensors Journal (Volume: 18, Issue: 17, 2018, pp. 6908 – 6926). DOI: 10.1109/JSEN.2018.2857502.

D. Bousdar; E. Munoz Diaz; J. J. García Domínguez, Automatic Calibration of the Step Length Model of a Pocket INS by Means of a Foot Inertial Sensor, Sensors (Volume: 20, Issue: 7, Apr. 2020, pp. 17). DOI: 10.3390/s20072083.

D. Bousdar; E. Munoz Diaz; J. J. García Domínguez, Novel Multi-IMU Tight Coupling Pedestrian Localization Exploiting Biomechanical Motion Constraints, Sensors (Volume: 20, Issue: 18, Sep. 2020, pp. 22). DOI: 10.3390/s20185364.

PEACEOFMIND: Improving and fostering active living and wellness of PWD from sensing to analytics, PID2019-105470RB-C31. Financing entity: Ministry of Science and Innovation, Call R&D 2019, Modality: Research Challenges. Participating entities: University of Deusto, University of Alcalá, IBSAL. Duration Jun 2020 – May 2023. Amount of the grant: €83.490. Researcher in charge: Alfonso Bahillo.

ESPHIA: Enabling Seamless Positioning for Helping Inhabitants Anywhere Funded by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness, TIN2014-56042-JIN. Participating entities: University of Deusto. Duration Oct 2015 – Oct 2018. Amount of the grant: €156.211. Researcher in charge: Alfonso Bahillo.

TARSIUS: Improving and strengthening indoor location systems for applications in robotics and human assistance. Funded by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness, TIN2015-71564-C4-1-R. Participating entities: University of Alcalá, CSIC, University of Extremadura. Duration Jan 2016 – Dec 2018. Amount of the grant: €87.900. Researcher in charge: J. Jesús García.

FRAILCHECK: Design and development of a system for the detection and analysis of physical activity and behavioural patterns to contribute to the frailty diagnosis. Funded by Autonomy of Castilla La Mancha, SBPLY/17/180501/000392. Participating entities: University of Alcalá and Guadalajara University Hospital. Duration Sep 2018 – Mar 2021. Amount of the grant: €125.630. Researcher in charge: J. Jesús García.

The proposed research plan is encouraged to cover three research disciplines in a “bottom-up” proposal. This research proposal is the result of an interdisciplinary encounter among a physiotherapist, a urologist, and two telecom engineers that was made possible by the PEACEOFMIND project. Therefore, the interdisciplinary research proposal is guaranteed though the co-supervision and collaboration of experts from those different knowledge areas which will be melted to be able to address the research proposal. Several types of stakeholders who may be interested in the results of this research project have now been identified, existing contacts and collaborations in the past. The knowledge areas to be integrated are: (1) physical medicine and rehabilitation – diagnosis, evaluation, prevention and treatment of disability aimed at facilitating, maintaining or returning the highest degree of functional capacity and independence possible-, (2) signal theory and communications – inertial-based sensory system and the appropriate signal processing to help the patients to get an automatic feedback about their performance. Accordingly, the researchers see further challenges in ICT-supported bottom-up approaches, considering qualitative-, small- and slow-data-oriented methods and techniques, to up-grade and test the muscle activation in people with the pelvic floor dysfunction.

Yes, the thesis will be co-directed between University of Deusto and University of Alcalá de Henares, who have shown willingness to co-finance the research project, as sought in the 6i-DIRS project. The contact person at Alcalá de Henares is Prof. Juan Jesús García Domínguez (jjesus.garcia@uah.es).

We plan the next mechanisms to successfully implement the interdisciplinarity: – Refine the plan proposal (objectives, scope and roadmap) agreed among the co-directors and the MSCA IF candidate for the three years period. – Zoom meetings every week to check the progress of the MSCA IF researcher and to establish the next steps to follow. – Face to face meetings every 12 weeks. – At least one short-term research stay every year (less than 3 months), and one long-term research stay at the University of Alcalá de Henares (more than 6 months).

Aligned with the 2030 Agenda, the Horizon Europe missions and goals and the Basque Country Smart Specialisation Strategy, DEUSTO research blends competitiveness, innovation and technology to tackle challenges for communities, companies and public bodies in the region. Ageing and Wellbeing; Cultural and Creative Industries and Cities; Gender; Social Justice and Inclusion and Strengthening Participation are the focus of the 5 Interdisciplinary Research Platforms. Besides, advanced research units contribute to generate knowledge and innovative solutions in the fields of efficient and clean Energy, Industry 4.0 (advanced manufacturing, data analytics…), Health and Territory.
https://www.deusto.es/cs/Satellite/deustoresearch/es/inicio/plataformas-interdisciplinares-de-investigacion

The proposed research is clearly aligned not only with H2020 priorities, but with the new Horizon Europe program. Focusing on H2020, the proposal connects directly with pillar 2, “Societal Challenges”, and in particular with the cluster “Health, demographic change and wellbeing”. In this cluster, the relevance of the proposal is identified in different ways:
• “Self-management of health and disease: citizen engagement and mHealth”. The outcomes of this proposal will help citizens to manage their own pelvic floor dysfunction outside institutions, empowering them to be active actors of the process.
• This project is related to different topics of calls as “Better health and care economic growth and sustainable health systems (BHC)” and “Digital Transformation in Health Care (DTH)”.
Regarding Horizon Europe, this research can be identified in “Pillar 2: Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness”, and in particular in the Health cluster, in the areas “health throughout the life course” and “Tools, technologies and digital solutions for health and care”. As one of the foreseen objectives is to develop a device, due to the novelty of this research, it can also match with the cluster “Digital, Industry and Space”, in the area “Emerging enabling technologies”. There is also a strong relationship with SDGs, namely “SDG3 Good health and well-being” as this proposal promotes well-being for all and all ages, and “SDG5 Gender equality”.

As mentioned before, the thesis will be co-directed between both Deusto and Alcalá de Henares Universities from Spain. Therefore, the international co-tutelle or co-direction is not envisaged. Nevertheless, the research groups of both institutions involved in this proposal collaborate with international institutions, so the international stays and collaborations are guaranteed. As some examples, we collaborate with doctor Rita Nassanga from College of Health Sciences (Kampala, Uganda), doctor Xabier Larraburu from SCP de Médecins (Hendaye, France) and INFANT centre through Professor William Marnane (Cork University Hospital and University College Cork, Ireland).

Due to the specificity of this proposal, experts in urology, gynaecology, and physiotherapy in women´s health will be involved in the research. We are going to collaborate with the research group “Physiotherapy in women’s health” (FPSM group) of the University of Alcala (UAH), led by PT PhD Maria Torres Lacomba. Prof. Torres is co-author of more than 100 publications. She is continuously organizing training sessions for women with pelvic floor dysfunction being an internationally recognized expert in this field. In her group are also involved medical doctors, as the Head of Gynaecology and Obstetrics service at the University Hospital of Alcala, MD. PhD Álvaro Zapico Goñi, also associate professor at UAH. From the University Hospital Gurutzeta-Cruces we will collaborate with MD PhD Antonio Arruza, head of Urology service at Gurutzeta-Cruces University Hospital and UPV/EHU associate professor of Urology, both from 2012 to present. Dr. Arruza has held several positions in the public health system, namely: Head of Urology Service of the Txagorritxu Hospital, medical deputy director Hospital HUA Vitoria of Urology, vice president of the Basque Society of Urology, and president of the Basque Society of Urology. Currently, he is the co-author of 170 communications and 80 journal publications. These collaborators not only will provide advice about the research approaches, but they will help to validate them as they work closely with the patients targeted by this proposal.

Deusto Research works closely with more than 1250 organisations (public administration, business, non-profit organisations, education and training institutions, technology centres, etc.) in areas such as health, urban development, gender, social justice and inclusion, democratic participation, regional competitiveness and energy. Since 2014 DEUSTO has been involved in 89 international research projects and worked with more than 770 partner organisations. From data collection to the implementation and piloting phases, stakeholders have an active role throughout the research project life cycle.
https://www.deusto.es/cs/Satellite/deustoresearch/es/inicio/transferencia-3/colaboracion-con-agentes-externos

According to some studies, more than 50 million of European citizens are affected by urinary incontinence. PFMs not only provide the ability to control the release of urine, but also faeces and flatus. In addition, these muscles are also important for sexual function in both men and women. Although these conditions are not life-threatening illnesses, they provoke a serious impairment to the quality of their professional and personal life. So, the proposed research topic can benefit everyone. The inclusion in the proposal of health collaborators will help to make this benefit effective, as they are in close contact with patients. In addition, the institutions involved in the proposal will disseminate the results of the project not only in scientific meetings, but also in informative publications and in a dedicated webpage with the objective to inform other stakeholders connected to the topic (public health administration, medical associations, patients associations, private foundations,…) about the outcomes of the project. Although the proposers of the project have experience in developing technology, if the results suggest it, we will also involve the industry to try to produce an affordable product to help both patients and health professionals during learning and training sessions. If citizens learn about controlling their pelvic floor muscles, they will have a better personal life, and it will lead in savings in personal and health care costs.

Deusto Research pursues societal impact that goes beyond academia focusing on the transformation of today’s society, leading to fairer and more diverse societies, where inclusive social development and welfare are enhanced.
https://www.deusto.es/cs/Satellite/deustoresearch/en/home/dissemination-and-transfer

Ageing, childbirth or other associated diseases can cause muscle tone and quality to be lost, causing loss of urine, dryness and, in the case of men, also impotence or weak erections. It is well known that pelvic floor exercises and lifestyle interventions are an effective treatment, however it is really difficult to some patients to adhere to a periodic training, and usually is hard for many patients to “feel” the muscles that must be exercised, or to get the feedback about the performance of the exercises. Therefore, the main innovative aspect of the research project is to enable patient’s proprioception during pelvic floor exercises thanks to the development of an inertial-based sensory system and the appropriate signal processing to get an automatic feedback about their performance. This device will enable the self-learning about correctly contracting PFMs. This implies focusing on a market and type of problems generally forgotten and also brings with it the need to work from multidisciplinary strategies, which always is challenging and stimulating. Another important aspect of the offer is the possibility of working on a project that covers a wide spectrum of the life cycle of a product, as the project will include from basic and applied research tasks (TRL 2 to 5) to developing and testing systems that can be used in an operational environment with real services (TRL 7).

DEUSTO research internationalisation strategy pursues innovation through the participation in international research and innovation initiatives (H2020 projects, Innovation Radar)
https://www.deusto.es/cs/Satellite/deustoresearch/en/home/transfer-of-knowledge-0/innovation-radar

Inclusion is an underlying principle of the 6i Dirs project. The leadership vocation of the University of Deusto goes hand in hand with its aspiration to excellence and quality and a firm commitment to social justice and inclusion. The Interdisciplinary Platform on Social Justice and Inclusion articulates interdisciplinary collaborations and channel research efforts for contributing to social justice and more inclusive and fairer societies.
https://www.deusto.es/cs/Satellite/deustoresearch/es/inicio/plataformas-interdisciplinares-de-investigacion/deusto-social-justice-and-inclusion/the-platform
Deusto recognises gender equality as a key driver for sustainable development and inclusive growth across regions, and believes that equality of academic opportunity for women is key. The Interdisciplinary Research Platform on Gender is a dynamic vehicle that teams up experts from different areas of knowledge with the dual purpose of fostering collaboration and integrating existing expertise to address society’s emerging challenges on gender issues. (https://www.deusto.es/cs/Satellite/deustoresearch/es/inicio/plataformas-interdisciplinares-de-investigacion/deusto-gender/the-university-of-deusto)
Moreover, to seek real inclusion for people with specific support needs, the 6i Dirs project ensures equal rights and opportunities with respect to access to the programme and the acquisition of the skills expected to achieve the PhD and enhance their career development and future employability. All vacancies on the Euraxess EU portal bear the Science4refugee logo to encourage refugees to apply for them. Furthermore, DEUSTO is a partner of the Scholars At Risk Network (SAR), which offers safety to scholars facing grave threats.