Next-Generation Remote Hand Assessments: Cross-Platform DIGITS Web Application.

Area of Science:

• Digital health
• Telerehabilitation
• Biomedical engineering

Background:

• The DIGITS platform was developed to overcome barriers in accessing clinical resources for evaluating finger range of motion, dexterity, and swelling.
• A web application version of DIGITS has been created for broader accessibility across diverse devices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To validate the DIGITS web application by comparing finger flexion and extension measurements.
• To assess the performance of DIGITS across devices with varying operating systems and camera resolutions.

Main Methods:

• Flexion and extension measurements were taken on the same individual's hands using three different devices.
• Statistical analysis included absolute difference, standard deviation, standard mean error, and intraclass correlation coefficient.
• Equivalency testing was performed using a confidence interval approach.

Main Results:

• Differences in measured degrees ranged from 2° to 3° for extension and 3° to 8° for flexion.
• Intraclass correlation coefficients ranged from 0.77 to 0.96 across all devices and movements.
• Equivalency was demonstrated within a 90% confidence interval across different devices.

Conclusions:

• The DIGITS web application demonstrates good test-retest reliability for finger range of motion assessment in hand telerehabilitation.
• Measurements showed acceptable absolute differences within a 9° tolerance.
• DIGITS provides equivalent measurements regardless of device, platform, or camera resolution, reducing costs for patients and providers.