Feasibility of using the Leap Motion Controller to administer conventional motor tests: a proof-of-concept study

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Rehabilitation Technology
• Clinical Assessment

Background:

• Upper-limb movement impairments are prevalent, yet current clinical assessment tools lack quantitative and objective data.
• Markerless motion capture (MMC) technology offers potential for objective, data-rich movement analysis in clinical settings.
• Prior research focused on MMC accuracy; this study addresses the development of meaningful clinical tests using MMC.

Purpose of the Study:

• To adapt and evaluate four conventional upper-limb motor tests for administration using a specific MMC sensor, the Leap Motion Controller (LMC).
• To assess the feasibility, successes, and challenges of using the LMC for clinical motor assessments in healthy subjects.

Main Methods:

• Four conventional upper-limb motor tests (visually guided movement, finger tapping, postural tremor, reaction time) were modified for the Leap Motion Controller (LMC).
• 100 healthy subjects participated in a proof-of-concept study administering these modified tests.
• Data quality and subject usability were assessed, alongside the performance of each modified test.

Main Results:

• Subjects found the LMC and test interfaces easy to use, with a low data discard rate (1.9%).
• The LMC demonstrated a sufficient sampling rate (>106 samples/s) and low malfunction rate.
• Visually guided movement tests were easily implemented; reaction time tests worked reasonably well. However, tremor and finger tapping tests showed significant limitations due to LMC bandwidth.

Conclusions:

• Developing motor tests specifically designed for MMC is crucial for effective clinical application.
• The LMC, while promising, has limitations for certain motor tasks like tremor and rapid finger tapping.
• The true potential of MMC may lie in creating novel tests rather than replicating conventional ones.