Technology-Enabled Assessment of Functional Health

IEEE Rev Biomed Eng. 2019:12:319-332. doi: 10.1109/RBME.2018.2851500. Epub 2018 Jun 28.

Abstract

The maturation of pervasive computing technologies has dramatically altered the face of healthcare. With the introduction of mobile devices, body area networks, and embedded computing systems, care providers can use continuous, ecologically valid information to overcome geographic and temporal barriers and thus provide more effective and timely health assessments. In this paper, we review recent technological developments that can be harnessed to replicate, enhance, or create methods for assessment of functional performance. Enabling technologies in wearable sensors, ambient sensors, mobile technologies, and virtual reality make it possible to quantify real-time functional performance and changes in cognitive health. These technologies, their uses for functional health assessment, and their challenges for adoption are presented in this paper.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cell Phone / trends
  • Cognition / physiology*
  • Computer Systems
  • Delivery of Health Care / trends*
  • Humans
  • Physical Functional Performance*
  • Technology Assessment, Biomedical / trends*
  • Virtual Reality
  • Wearable Electronic Devices / trends