Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
input variables are
professional pain
∈
X
1
,
social pain
∈
X
2
,
sexual pain
∈
X
3
while
∈
the output variable is
disability pain
Y
. Resulting system and detailed information
is obtained in [4].
24.3
Multi-criteria Fuzzy Pain Assessment for Patients
with Musculoskeletal Disorder
The musculoskeletal system is mainly composed of bones (skeleton), muscles, car-
tilage, tendons, ligaments, and joints. Such a locomotor system is able to perform
movements that range from more intense and complex to simple and refined. Hu-
man movements are controlled and monitored by the nervous system that, at first,
identify the muscles used for a particular motion for, in sequence, generating stim-
ulus that will develop the strength to their activation. The majority of the joint
movements act as a lever system, such that each joint presents a range of motion
which characterizes an adequate operation and determines their mobility and thus
of the human being.
The analysis of movements depends on a correct description of the joint move-
ments. The skeletal muscle has in common with the smooth muscle the composition
of the musculoskeletal system but being the only one able to move the body. Char-
acterized as being elastic, the skeletal muscle can be lengthened or shortened by
performing different functions that directly depend on the bone structure and a joint
component. Together, they are extremely important for achieving an efficient perfor-
mance of the human body movement [7]. The relation between the body movement
and musculoskeletal pain is directly associated to the manner that individuals use
their muscles and joints. Their overuse or improper use brings harmful effects to
the body, affecting the range of motion and leading individuals to the world of pain.
Another important aspect of musculoskeletal pain concerns the reduction of
range of motion, which can generate some temporary loss of function, affecting
the social life. As a result of musculoskeletal pain, the range of motion decreases,
and may cause a temporary or permanent disability [14]. The musculoskeletal pain
is more evident in adults and is the leading cause of chronic pain throughout soci-
ety, creating an impact on quality of life, interfering with daily activities in 66.6%
of patients and thus a public health problem worldwide [11].
The range of motion of the human body occurs due to a complex system of artic-
ulated segments in static or dynamic balance. The movement is caused by internal
forces acting outside the joint axis causing angular displacement of the segments,
and by forces outside the body. This measurement is usually based on records or in
verbal descriptors commonly used by patients to describe the pain they are experi-
encing at the moment.
Mechanical or digital goniometer as well as by digital image processing are al-
ternatives to measure the range of motion. The angle of measurement corresponds
to the range of motion. In spite of the mechanism employed for obtaining the range
of motion, the perception of pain is approximate and subjective, respectively, due to
the imprecision and uncertainty introduced by the mechanism of measurement and
