Accelerometer based quantitative outcome measurement for hand function test

Abstract

Hand Function test gives relationship between functional limitations in activities and performance components such as range of motion and strength. This paper proposes a hand function test which incorporates sensor on the object. The quantitative parameters such as time and acceleration with which task is completed are measured. Accelerometer data is sensitive to the movement of the body and gives variety of movement patterns during task performance. Light dependent resistor (LDR) provides important movement queues, such as initialisation and completion of the selected activity. As sensors are embedded on the object, there is a scope for free movement of upper extremity during performance of test. Auto-time calculation during test session certainly reduces the clinician intervention time. Clinician can give more emphasis on functional movement of hand rather than spending time in documentation. The fields of application of this tool are in physiotherapy and occupational therapy.