Author Of 1 Presentation
P0101 - Kinematic assessment of upper limb function in progressive multiple sclerosis (ID 201)
Abstract
Background
Upper limb dysfunction is common in progressive forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) leading to increased dependency and reduced quality of life. Clinicians and researchers need tailored outcome measures to quantify upper limb dysfunction, and evaluate potential deterioration or intervention efficacy. Current assessments rely on coarse measures and subjective evaluation. This is particularly disappointing as advances in digital technologies allow precise measurement of upper limb function in well constrained tasks.
Objectives
We will use novel kinematic assessment tools to explore the extent and progression of upper limb dysfunction in patients with progressive MS
Methods
We developed a kinematic assessment system that could accurately track arm movements over time and space and provide precise objective measures of function. The ‘gold-standard’ system allows infrared tracking of arm movements but is integrated with a ‘performance’ system that captures kinematic milestones (e.g. movement duration) alone.
Results
We have successfully built the kinematic assessment systems. Participants reach, grasp and move pre-designed cylindrical objects from one docking station to another on a manufactured board. Reaction times, hand velocity, hand trajectory and grip aperture are measured using a low cost and portable dual infrared camera system, capturing quantifiable trajectories in 3D space. We are now testing our systems with a sample of primary and secondary progressive MS patients (n=40) from the local outpatient population. Performance on our system will be calibrated against: the Expanded disability status scale (EDSS); the nine hole PEG test (9HPT); the ABILHAND; and AMSQ-SF10 questionnaire. The measures are taken over the course of a year (baseline, six months and twelve months).
Conclusions
It is possible to build low cost portable systems capable of providing rich kinematic data that capture upper arm function. Our current study will determine whether a simple performance system (that does not require infrared tracking) might provide rich measures in an even easier to deploy clinical assessment tool. This work will establish the extent to which these detailed kinematic measures map to the current clinical standard assessments. This provides an important first step in the development and evaluation of reach to kinematic analysis in the quantification of upper limb function in progressive MS.