Quantification of Finger-Tapping Angle Based on Wearable Sensors.

Milica Djurić-Jovičić,Agnes Roby-Brami,Vladimir Kostić,Antonije Djordjević,Mirjana Popović,Nenad Jovičić

doi:10.3390/s17020203

Milica Djurić-Jovičić, Agnes Roby-Brami + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/s17020203

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Abstract

We propose a novel simple method for quantitative and qualitative finger-tapping assessment based on miniature inertial sensors (3D gyroscopes) placed on the thumb and index-finger. We propose a simplified description of the finger tapping by using a single angle, describing rotation around a dominant axis. The method was verified on twelve subjects, who performed various tapping tasks, mimicking impaired patterns. The obtained tapping angles were compared with results of a motion capture camera system, demonstrating excellent accuracy. The root-mean-square (RMS) error between the two sets of data is, on average, below 4°, and the intraclass correlation coefficient is, on average, greater than 0.972. Data obtained by the proposed method may be used together with scores from clinical tests to enable a better diagnostic. Along with hardware simplicity, this makes the proposed method a promising candidate for use in clinical practice. Furthermore, our definition of the tapping angle can be applied to all tapping assessment systems.

Highlights

During neurological examinations, assessment of motor performance is helpful in identifying the integrity of central nervous system components
Patients with motor impairments perform the finger-tapping task in very different manners, so that the relative 3D movements of fingers can be challenging to define, measure, and express as a single parameter. We analyze these challenges and we propose a method for quantification of the finger-tapping angle based on miniature inertial sensors (3D gyroscopes) placed on the index finger and thumb, which could be further used for detailed observation and evaluation
A pilot study was conducted on three groups of patients, recruited from the movement disorders outpatient clinic in the Institute of Neurology CCS, School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Serbia: 15 patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD), 12 patients diagnosed with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), 10 patients with multiple system atrophy (MSA), and 12 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects with no history of neurological or psychiatric disease

Summary

Introduction

Assessment of motor performance is helpful in identifying the integrity of central nervous system components. Motor tests commonly include speed and strength level evaluation. Finger tapping is a test of the primary motor speed of the index finger [1]. The tapping test has been widely used for assessment of ataxia [2], stroke recovery [3], Alzheimer’s disease [4], and of bradykinesia in Parkinson’s disease (PD) [5,6,7,8,9].

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