Sensor Network for Analyzing Upper Body Strategies in Parkinson's Disease versus Normative Kinematic Patterns.

Paola Romano,Michela Goffredo,Sanaz Pournajaf,Francesco Infarinato,Annalisa Gison,Claudia Mantoni,Maria Francesca De Pandis,Marco Ottaviani,Marco Franceschini

doi:10.3390/s21113823

Paola Romano, Michela Goffredo + Show 7 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/s21113823

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Abstract

In rehabilitation, the upper limb function is generally assessed using clinical scales and functional motor tests. Although the Box and Block Test (BBT) is commonly used for its simplicity and ease of execution, it does not provide a quantitative measure of movement quality. This study proposes the integration of an ecological Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) system for analysis of the upper body kinematics during the execution of a targeted version of BBT, by able-bodied persons with subjects with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Joint angle parameters (mean angle and range of execution) and hand trajectory kinematic indices (mean velocity, mean acceleration, and dimensionless jerk) were calculated from the data acquired by a network of seven IMUs. The sensors were applied on the trunk, head, and upper limb in order to characterize the motor strategy used during the execution of BBT. Statistics revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) between the two groups, showing compensatory strategies in subjects with PD. The proposed IMU-based targeted BBT protocol allows to assess the upper limb function during manual dexterity tasks and could be used in the future for assessing the efficacy of rehabilitative treatments.

Highlights

Published: 31 May 2021Upper limb impairment can result from a number of different conditions or pathologies, including stroke, Parkinson’s disease, musculoskeletal disorders, infantile cerebral palsy, etc
This study aims to assess the upper body kinematics during the Box and Blocks Test (BBT) with an ecological
Two patients in the Parkinson’s Disease Group. Notes (PDG) were excluded from the analysis because of the presence of artifacts in the Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) data

Summary

Introduction

Upper limb impairment can result from a number of different conditions or pathologies, including stroke, Parkinson’s disease, musculoskeletal disorders, infantile cerebral palsy, etc. One of the most used tests to assess manual dexterity is the Box and Blocks Test (BBT) [8], which has been applied in different pathologies such as stroke [9], multiple sclerosis [2], traumatic brain injuries [2], Parkinson’s disease [10], and upper limb amputation [11]. The test provides an essential measure for upper limb dexterity and motor coordination and consists of moving, one by one, the maximum number of blocks from one compartment of a box to another of equal size within 60 s.

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