Most Proposed Topic :
Enhancing Partnership with Patients and Community (projects initiated to engage patient and improve patient communication)
Proposed Topic (Second preferred): :
Clinical Safety and Quality Service III (Projects aiming at quality service to patients and their carers)
Authors: (including presenting author): :
Cheung P(1), Chan YL(1), Yip KH(1), Chau HY(1), Yu KP(2)
Affiliation: :
(1) Occupational Therapy Department, Kowloon Hospital, (2) Community Rehabilitation Service Support Center
Introduction: :
Stroke patients commonly experience abnormal functional upper extremity movements. Current clinical assessments, such as Hong Kong - Functional Test for the Hemiplegic Upper Extremity (FTHUE-HK), rely on assessor’s judgment and are less sensitive to movement improvements, particularly mild to moderate impairment.
Objectives: :
This study aimed to explore the incorporation of kinematic data from Inertial measurement units (IMU) sensors with current clinical assessment in upper extremity movement quality.
Methodology: :
This cross-sectional study included 16 stroke and 20 healthy subjects. Stroke subjects were recruited with onset within 1 year, FTHUE-HK level 3 to 5, flexor synergy pattern over affected arm, and ability to follow simple commands. All participants with IMU sensor performed reaching task using standardized setup of a 3-leveled drawer.
Result & Outcome: :
Stroke patients had longer movement times, lower acceleration and velocities values, and higher irregularity in affected hand movement compared to healthy controls. Significant differences (p< 0.05) were observed in joint movement kinematics, including elbow extension (mean difference 14.80-15.68 degree), lumbar flexion (mean difference 3.79-4.11 degree), and maximum shoulder internal rotation (mean difference 6.63-8.34 degree). Additionally, correlations were found between kinematic variables and FTHUE level (Rs>0.6-0.7), indicating their potential utility in assessing motor function and recovery in stroke patients.
This study indicate that IMU sensors provide more objective data to enrich clinical evaluation on upper limb movement coordination, speed, and kinematics of stroke patients at different severity of upper limb functional problem when compared with normal subjects. This may be valuable for assessment and motor relearning treatment feedback to our clients in Stroke Rehabilitation.
