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Updated: Sep 19, 2025
An Objective and Child-friendly Assessment of Arm Function by Using a 3-D Sensor
Published on: February 12, 2018
Development of a web-based application for initial hand evaluation and 3D scanning: A pilot feasibility and validity
Maryam Farzad1, Joy MacDermid2, Louis Ferreira3
1Hand and Upper Limb Center, St. Joseph's Health Center, London, ON, Canada; Neuromusculoskeletal Rehabilitation Reseach Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran; School of Physical Therapy, Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada; Orfit Industries, Wijnegem, Belgium.
A new web application, HAND SCANS, enables remote hand evaluation and 3D scanning using smartphones. This validated tool shows high accuracy and user satisfaction, improving access to specialized care.
Area of Science:
- Digital health technologies
- Orthopedics
- Rehabilitation medicine
Background:
- Digital health advancements offer remote evaluation for upper extremity conditions.
- Limited comprehensive, validated, user-friendly platforms exist for remote hand assessment with 3D scanning.
- The HAND SCANS application addresses this gap.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate HAND SCANS, a novel web application for remote hand evaluation and 3D scanning.
- To assess the application's feasibility, accuracy, and user satisfaction among clinicians and patients.
- To explore its potential in telehealth models.
Main Methods:
- Prospective validation and feasibility study design.
- Development of a web-based application for patient-reported outcomes and smartphone-based 3D hand scanning.
- Comparison of application measurements (range of motion, sensory function, pain, grip strength) with clinical standards and photogrammetry.
- Gathering patient and clinician feedback on feasibility and usability.
Main Results:
- The application demonstrated strong agreement with clinical gold standards for range of motion, sensory testing, and pain.
- Smartphone-captured 3D hand scans achieved high dimensional accuracy compared to conventional photogrammetry.
- High user satisfaction was reported, highlighting ease of use and remote care potential.
- Areas for improvement identified include image quality and user interface.
Conclusions:
- The HAND SCANS application is a validated and feasible tool for remote hand evaluation and 3D scanning.
- Integration into telehealth can enhance access to specialized hand assessments, particularly in remote or underserved areas.
- Further development is recommended to improve image quality and user experience.
