2012 Volume 21 Pages 55-64
Kinematic analysis is an objective, discriminative measure for quantifying movement biomechanics; however, its effectiveness for assessing post-stroke-impaired distal upper limb function is not well established. This study examined the validity and reliability of an assessment protocol based on wrist and finger three-dimensional kinematic analysis (the 3D Kinematic Arm Test) for use in clinical practice. Nine post-stroke patients with chronic hemiplegia were evaluated. The wrist and finger flexion/extension movements were recorded, and kinematic variables were computed. The clinical evaluation included the Fugl-Meyer Assessment, the Action Research Arm Test, and the Simple Test for Evaluating Hand Function. The 3D Kinematic Arm Test and clinical evaluations were also applied to the hemiplegic hands of three post-stroke patients before and after three types of intervention. The test validity was supported by correlations (0.87 > r > 0.57) with other clinical evaluations. It also exhibited good test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient > 0.96) for extension active range of motion and velocity. The test reflected clinical conditions (such as spasticity or nonsmoothness) during active movement. The 3D Kinematic Arm Test therefore appears to have considerable potential as a tool for measuring the efficacy of upper-limb interventions.
