Quantifying an Upper Extremity Everyday Task With 3D Kinematic Analysis in People With Spinal Cord Injury and Non-disabled Controls

Frontiers in Neurology, 2021 · DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.755790 · Published: October 15, 2021

Spinal Cord Injury Neurology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study uses kinematic analysis to objectively measure upper extremity movement in individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI) during a drinking task. The study compares movement parameters of individuals with SCI to those of non-disabled controls to identify impairments. The goal is to improve understanding of movement deficits and inform rehabilitation strategies for people with SCI.

Study Duration

2018-2019

Participants

29 adults with SCI and 54 non-disabled controls

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Individuals with limited upper extremity function after SCI showed impairments in movement time, smoothness, trunk displacement, and joint angles.
2
Peak velocity measures were not significantly different between SCI participants and controls.
3
Even those with full upper extremity function after SCI, as determined by ARAT, showed a statistically significant difference in arm abduction angle, compared to controls.

Research Summary

The study quantifies upper extremity movement during a drinking task in individuals with SCI using 3D kinematic analysis. Key kinematic measures including movement time, smoothness, trunk displacement and joint angles were found to be impaired in those with limited upper extremity function. These findings suggest kinematic analysis can help identify specific movement impairments in daily tasks after SCI, especially for those with limited functioning.

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation Strategies

Target rehabilitation strategies to improve movement time, smoothness, trunk control, and joint angles in individuals with SCI and limited upper extremity function.

Assessment Tool

Use kinematic analysis as a tool to identify and quantify specific movement deficits in daily tasks for those with SCI.

Personalized Treatment

Tailor interventions based on kinematic assessments to address individual movement impairments and improve functional outcomes.

Study Limitations

1
The single markers placed on anatomical landmarks, as used in the current study, will not allow calculation of joint rotations
2
Individuals who could not perform the unimanual drinking task at least with one arm were not included.
3
A diﬀerent drinking cup (vine glass, or coﬀee mug type) was used in four participants with SCI that allowed them to execute the drinking task despite diﬃculties in grasping.

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