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Updated: Feb 19, 2026

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Measuring 3D In-vivo Shoulder Kinematics using Biplanar Videoradiography
Published on: March 12, 2021
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Intrapersonal and interpersonal evaluation of upper extremity kinematics
Artūras Linkel1, Inga Raudonytė2, James Shippen3
1Department of Biomechanics, Faculty of Mechanics, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Vilnius, Lithuania.
Summary
Kinematic parameters of upper extremity (UE) function vary significantly between healthy individuals, particularly in wrist extension. High interpersonal variability in these movements may hinder comparisons between healthy and disabled persons undergoing rehabilitation.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Human motion analysis
- Rehabilitation science
Background:
- Upper extremity (UE) function quality is assessed via kinematic parameters of patient movements.
- Understanding normal UE kinematics is crucial for evaluating recovery in patients with UE disabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the angles and angular velocity amplitudes of UE motions in healthy participants.
- To establish a baseline for comparing with patients with UE disabilities during recovery.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a 3D motion capture system to record UE motions in 23 healthy adults.
- Employed a simplified 7 degrees of freedom (DOF) human arm kinematic model in MATLAB for data processing.
Main Results:
- Interpersonal coefficients of variability (CV) for left-side motions showed significant variation.
- Lowest linear velocity amplitude CV was observed during elbow flexion (4.2%), highest during wrist extension (48.3%).
- Angular velocity amplitude CV ranged from 19.6% (shoulder adduction) to 55.7% (wrist extension).
Conclusions:
- High interpersonal CV in UE kinematic parameters can limit direct comparisons between healthy and disabled individuals.
- This variability underscores the need for individualized assessment in UE rehabilitation.

