An objective evaluation of healthy human upper extremity motions

Abstract

This paper presents an investigation of quality evaluation of human upper extremity motions by introducing a new methodology. The VICON motion capturing system was applied to evaluate the kinematics of the upper extremity. The created 3D 5 DOF dynamical model in MATLAB allowed calculating additional movement’s quantitative parameters: the work done and power used during the appropriate motion. Finally, least squares method was applied to define torques by using a 3rd degrees polynomial approximation of mean torque values in the angle domain. The calculated parameters of 23 healthy participants’ motions as well as the investigated method could be used in the future in rehabilitation field to evaluate the quality of upper extremity motion of patients. The Pearson’s correlation coefficient between motion angle and angular velocity amplitudes is 0.49-0.82 and between work done and power of the movement is 0.61-0.99.