Inverse dynamics as a tool for motion analysis: arm tracking movements in cerebellar patients

Kinematic analysis of limb movements can be used to evaluate motion of patients with movement disorders. Those with clinically mild to moderate impairment, however, often show only small, insignificant deviations in the measured trajectories compared to those of healthy controls. Furthermore, kinematic data alone do not give sufficient information about internal quantities such as muscle activation or joint moments. In order to improve the sensitivity of motion analysis of limb movements, we propose the use of inverse dynamics, since it allows biomechanical quantities to be determined without restricting movement. We developed an inverse dynamic model of the upper limb with 9 degrees of freedom. Spatial positions (Cartesian coordinates) of anatomical landmarks, which were recorded by an infrared video-based three-dimensional motion analysis system, are transformed into body-related Cardan angles. The model determines joint moments and powers at the shoulder, elbow, and wrist. Arm tracking movements in a patient with a mild cerebellar ataxia and a healthy control demonstrate that the model allows a clear differentiation between normal and abnormal limb movements, even if no significant differences are noted in the recorded trajectories. We conlude that inverse dynamic modeling can be an effective tool for motion analysis in patients with cerebellar disorders. It also gives further insight into the parameters that may be controlled by the central nervous system.