RESUMO
A wearable finger flexion monitor developed to measure hand function in individuals with hand dysfunction was evaluated for feasibility, measurement repeatability and reliability, fidelity of wireless transmission, and user acceptance. Configuration of the monitor allows use in situations when a traditional measurement glove cannot be worn. Five healthy individuals participated in the study of repeatability, while 10 healthy individuals and 10 individuals with acquired brain injury participated in trials to assess feasibility and user comfort. Repeatability results showed an overall error of 3.4 degrees , compared to 5.5 degrees and 5.7 degrees reported with other sensor gloves, and to manual measurements (5-8 degrees). Intraclass coefficient of reliability (using coefficient alpha) averaged 0.95. User feedback regarding comfort of the monitor was very high. Loss of data during wireless transmission was no greater than 1.2%. Results demonstrate that the monitor has a strong potential to be used as a tool for objective hand function evaluation in the home and community for both short- and long-term monitoring.
Assuntos
Eletrodiagnóstico/instrumentação , Eletrofisiologia/instrumentação , Equipamentos e Provisões/normas , Mãos/fisiopatologia , Monitorização Fisiológica/instrumentação , Transtornos dos Movimentos/diagnóstico , Adulto , Idoso , Análise Custo-Benefício , Avaliação da Deficiência , Eletrodos/tendências , Eletrodiagnóstico/economia , Eletrodiagnóstico/métodos , Eletrofisiologia/economia , Eletrofisiologia/métodos , Equipamentos e Provisões/economia , Estudos de Viabilidade , Retroalimentação/fisiologia , Feminino , Dedos/fisiopatologia , Luvas Protetoras/economia , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Monitorização Fisiológica/economia , Monitorização Fisiológica/métodos , Movimento/fisiologia , Transtornos dos Movimentos/fisiopatologia , Valor Preditivo dos Testes , Telemetria/economia , Telemetria/instrumentação , Telemetria/métodosRESUMO
The goal of this research was to evaluate the usefulness of a wireless custom monitor in measuring real-time finger posture over an extended period of time as the wearer goes about daily life activities. One individual wore the device for 25 continuous hours in the research facility and at home. Initial data analysis methods have been presented to explore different aspects of hand activity over time. Evaluating mean flexion over five minute intervals reveals common hand postures assumed throughout the day, while total joint excursion over longer intervals highlights periods of inactivity associated with sleep or rest, as well as periods of higher intensity activities that can be used to evaluate compliance with physical therapy and home rehabilitation instructions.
