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New motor control assessment techniques for evaluating individuals with severe handicaps: a case study
Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development
|January 1, 1987
Summary
Computer-aided motion analysis enhances assistive device assessment for motor-handicapped individuals. A cerebral palsy patient demonstrated proportional control for communication aids, improving communication rates.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Rehabilitation Technology
Background:
- Accurate assistive device prescription for motor-handicapped individuals necessitates precise motor capability assessment.
- Severe motor deficits and diverse abnormalities complicate traditional assessment methods.
- Quantitative, computer-aided motion analysis offers enhanced precision for statistical examination and comparison with normative data.
Observation:
- A case study evaluated a 24-year-old nonvocal cerebral palsy patient's ability to operate assistive communication devices.
- Three computer-aided protocols assessed: communication aid performance (rate, accuracy), myoelectric control sites, and head movement for proportional control.
- Data from the patient and two controls were compared.
Findings:
- Despite motor control deficits, the patient exhibited proportional control of lateral head rotation and binary control of frontalis myoelectric signals.
- These voluntary movements are suitable for operating a direct-selection communication aid.
- The proposed system could significantly increase the patient's communication rate.
Implications:
- Computer-aided motion analysis provides objective data for selecting and optimizing assistive communication devices.
- This technology facilitates personalized rehabilitation strategies for individuals with severe motor impairments.
- Future work includes 3D motion analysis and muscle fatigue measurement to further refine assistive technology.