BEAGLE-A Kinematic Sensory System for Objective Hand Function Assessment in Technology-Mediated Rehabilitation

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering
• Neurorehabilitation

Background:

• Hand impairment significantly impacts quality of life after stroke.
• Objective and sensitive assessment tools are crucial for effective rehabilitation.
• Current methods may lack precision in quantifying hand function recovery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the BEAGLE system for kinematic tracking of hand and finger movements.
• To evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of the BEAGLE system in subacute stroke survivors.
• To assess the system's ability to detect changes in hand function compared to clinical scales.

Main Methods:

• Developed the BEAGLE system with inertial sensors for kinematic tracking and range of motion (ROM) estimation.
• Conducted a pilot study with ten subacute stroke survivors over two therapy cycles.
• Assessed hand function using BEAGLE ROM estimates and clinical measures (Fugl-Meyer, Action Research Arm Test).

Main Results:

• BEAGLE ROM assessments showed sensitivity comparable to standardized clinical scales.
• Statistically significant improvements in all observed measures occurred during the second therapy cycle (conventional + functional electrical stimulation).
• No significant improvements were observed during the first therapy cycle (conventional therapy alone).

Conclusions:

• The BEAGLE system provides objective and sensitive hand function assessment.
• Combined therapy (conventional + FES) significantly enhances hand function recovery in subacute stroke.
• The BEAGLE system shows promise for integration into clinical rehabilitation workflows.