Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 23, 2026
Three-Dimensional Finger Motion Tracking during Needling: A Solution for the Kinematic Analysis of Acupuncture Manipulation
Published on: October 28, 2021
Minimal detectable difference of the finger and wrist range of motion: comparison of goniometry and 3D motion
Lisa Reissner1, Gabriella Fischer2, Renate List2,3
1Division of Plastic Surgery and Hand Surgery, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Raemistrasse 100, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland. lisa.reissner@usz.ch.
Background:
The measurement of finger and wrist range of motion (ROM) is of great importance to clinicians when assessing functional outcomes of therapeutic interventions and surgical procedures. The purpose of the study was to assess the repeatability of ROM measurements of the hand joints with manual goniometer and 3D motion capture system and to calculate the minimal detectable difference for both methods.
Methods:
Active finger and wrist joints ROM of 20 healthy volunteers were assessed using a manual goniometer and 3D motion capture system. Minimal detectable difference (MDD) and standard error of measurement (SEM) were calculated for both measurement systems and compared within the same task. Maximal ROM of all joints was registered twice on two different days to evaluate the test-retest repeatability. The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) was calculated and examined to determine if reliability ≥ 0.70 existed.
Results:
MDD for the 3D motion capture was between 5 and 12° except for the metacarpophalangeal joint (MCP) 1, interphalangeal joint (IP), and MCP5. SEM values lay between 2 and 4° for all joints except for the MCP5, IP, and MCP1. For the goniometric measurements, MDD and SEM were between 12-30° and 4-11°, respectively. The reliability criterion (ICC > 0.7) was achieved for the ROM measurement with the 3D motion capture system for 94% of the joints and in only 65% of the joints with the manual goniometer.
Conclusions:
Joint ROM assessed with 3D motion analysis showed higher test-retest agreement demonstrating overall better repeatability for this method. Because of the smaller measurement error, the 3D motion capture system has a smaller MDD. Only individual test-rest differences bigger than the MDD can be considered as real changes, and therefore, in an experimental situation, the use of a more precise measurement method can greatly reduce the number of subjects needed for a statistical significance. Goniometer measurements of some joints should be carefully interpreted, due to a low repeatability and reliability.
Trial Registration:
This study is approved by the Ethical Committee Zurich ( Kek-ZH-Nr: 2015-0395 ).
Related Concept Videos
01:24Absolute Motion Analysis- General Plane Motion
As the drone's propellers rotate, an upward force is generated that counteracts the force of gravity, enabling the drone to lift off from the ground. This initial movement of the drone is along a straight path, representing a form of translational motion. In this phase, every point on the...
01:22Equation of Motion: General Plane motion
Moreover, the body's center of mass experiences a rotational effect as a result of these couple moments. This rotation can be articulated as the...
01:10Relative Motion Analysis - Acceleration
01:24Relative Motion Analysis - Velocity
When an external force is exerted, it sets the crank into a rotational movement. This, in turn, instigates the motion of the connecting rod, leading to what is referred to as a general plane motion. This process involves two key points - point A on the connecting rod...
01:16Equation of Motion: General Plane motion - Problem Solving
The friction between the roller and the ground is characterized by two coefficients. The static friction coefficient is 0.15, while the kinetic friction coefficient is 0.1. These values are crucial in understanding the interaction between...
01:18Projectile Motion: Example
When we speak of the range (R) of a projectile on...