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The concept of health smart house aims at giving an autonomous life, in their own home, to people who would normally be placed in institutions: patients suffering from chronic diseases, handicapped people, but also fragile elderly. This article proposes an overview of the research on the concept. It then presents the main trends in each the technological fields of concern — information systems, home automations, ubiquitous sensors, robotic assistance — it indicates the standardisation efforts lead by some large consortiums, and the ethical point of view. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: The purpose of the present experiment was to determine the reliability of the cervicocephalic relocation test (CRT). Methodology: Thirteen young healthy adults were recruited to undergo a CRT test-retest. The test-retest reliability was determined by repeatedly measuring CR to a neutral position after active movement, with trials approximately 1 hour apart. Each CRT involved 20 CRs to a natural head position, 10 repositioning after right head rotation, and 10 repositioning after left head rotation (with the order of rotation sides randomized). The performance score for each subject for each CRT was the mean of the errors made during the 20 relocations (in degrees). Study Results: The mean rate of error of the first and second trials was 3.2±1.1° and 2.9±0.9°, respectively. The intra class correlation coefficient was 0.81, and the standard error of measurement 0.90°. Conclusion: CRT testing supports evidence of reliable cervicocephalic performance stability in healthy young adults. CRT shows promise as a relevant tool of assessment in head and neck proprioception. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The goal of this study was to evaluate the impact of nociceptive stimuli upon the cervical proprioception ability. Method: Thirty healthy young subjects performed a cervicocephalic relocation test (CRT) in two random conditions: the first one was based on a nociceptive electric stimulation called condition “pain”, whereas the second one was targeting a painless electric condition called condition “control”. The CRT consisted of repositioning the head on the trunk, after an active transversal movement of the head in the transverse field with closed eyes. The pointing was recorded at the beginning and at the end of each rotation using a custom video acquisition system. Results: The average mean of error repositioning was worth 3.98±0.99° (average mean, standard deviation) in the condition “pain”, and 1.75±0.37° in the condition “control” (p <0.01). Conclusion: Acute pain provokes a disturbance of the cervical proprioception ability without damaging the anatomic structure. This observation suggests the interest of an early follow-up of the pain to avoid sensory disturbances, as well as the establishment of a cervical proprioceptive rehabilitation program after an algic event. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]