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Published on: March 28, 2018
A Novel Protocol for Integrated Assessment of Upper Limbs Using the Optoelectronic Motion Analysis System: Validation
Luca Emanuele Molteni1, Luigi Piccinini1, Daniele Panzeri1
1Scientific Institute IRCCS "E.Medea", Bosisio Parini, 23842 Lecco, Italy.
Insights
A new motion analysis protocol with a custom marker set reliably assesses upper limb kinematics in children and adults. This validated method enhances pediatric functional assessment in clinical and research settings.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Human Movement Analysis
- Pediatric Rehabilitation
Background:
- Upper limb (UL) function is crucial for daily activities.
- Existing kinematic analysis tools lack age-specific validation for pediatric populations.
- Novel protocols are needed for accurate pediatric UL assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present and validate a novel motion analysis protocol for assessing upper limb (UL) kinematics.
- To evaluate the protocol's reliability and usability across diverse age groups, with a focus on pediatric applicability.
- To establish a standardized method for UL functional assessment.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a SmartDX motion capture system with a 30-marker set on the upper body.
- Recruited ten healthy participants (age range: 8.0-41.4 years) to assess transversal applicability.
- Measured intra-operator and inter-operator reliability for shoulder, elbow, and wrist kinematics.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated excellent intra-operator reliability for shoulder and wrist kinematics (ICC > 0.906).
- Showed good intra-operator reliability for elbow movements (ICC > 0.755).
- Achieved good to excellent inter-operator reliability across all joints (ICC > 0.762).
- System Usability Scale rating indicated good usability (83.25).
Conclusions:
- The developed motion analysis protocol is reliable and user-friendly for UL kinematic assessment.
- The protocol's design supports adaptability across different motion capture systems.
- This validated method is suitable for clinical and research applications, particularly in pediatric functional assessment.
Abstract:
(1) Background: Upper limb (UL) function plays a central role in daily life, enabling essential tasks such as reaching, grasping, and eating. While numerous tools exist to evaluate UL kinematics, their application in pediatric populations is often limited by a lack of age-specific validation. This study presents a novel motion analysis protocol featuring a customized marker set, aimed at assessing UL movements in the three anatomical planes across different age groups, with a focus on pediatric applicability. (2) Materials and Methods: A SmartDX motion capture system was used, with 30 markers positioned on the upper body, referencing the trunk as the root of the kinematic chain. Ten healthy participants (mean age: 18.69 ± 12.45 years; range: 8.0-41.4) without UL impairments were recruited. The broad age range was intentionally selected to assess the protocol's transversal applicability. (3) Results: Results showed excellent intra-operator reliability for shoulder and wrist kinematics (ICC > 0.906) and good reliability for elbow movements (ICC > 0.755). Inter-operator reliability was good to excellent (shoulder ICC > 0.958; elbow ICC > 0.762; wrist ICC > 0.826) Usability, measured via the System Usability Scale, was rated as good (83.25). (4) Conclusions: The proposed protocol demonstrated strong reliability and practical usability, supporting its adoption in clinical and research settings. Its design allows for adaptability across motion capture platforms, promoting wider implementation in pediatric UL functional assessment.
