Upper extremity 3-dimensional reachable workspace assessment in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis by Kinect sensor

Authors:
Publisher website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Introduction: Reachable workspace is a measure that provides clinically meaningful information regarding arm function. In this study, a Kinect sensor was used to determine the spectrum of 3‐dimensional reachable workspace encountered in a cross‐sectional cohort of individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Methods: Bilateral 3D reachable workspace was recorded from 10 subjects with ALS and 17 healthy controls. The data were normalized by each individual's arm length to obtain a reachable workspace relative surface area (RSA). Concurrent validity was assessed by correlation with scoring on the ALS Functional Rating Score—revised (ALSFRSr). Results: The Kinect‐measured reachable workspace RSA differed significantly between the ALS and control subjects (0.579 ± 0.226 vs. 0.786 ± 0.069; P < 0.001). The RSA demonstrated correlation with ALSFRSr upper extremity items (Spearman correlation ρ = 0.569; P = 0.009). With worsening upper extremity function, as categorized by the ALSFRSr, the reachable workspace also decreased progressively. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the feasibility and potential of using a novel Kinect‐based reachable workspace outcome measure in ALS. Muscle Nerve 53: 234–241, 2016
Funding Information
  • the National Institutes of Health (NIH) (NIAMS U01 AR065113-01)
  • The U.S. Department of Education (NIDRR H133B090001)
  • the National Science Foundation (1111965)
  • B.O. and N.C.J. were supported by grants from the NIH (UL1 TR000002, KL2 TR000134 to B.O., NIH 5K12HD001097-15 to N.C.J)

This publication has 15 references indexed in Scilit: