Thesis

A new portable 3D gyroscope system for the evaluation of upper limb function

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Awarding institution
  • University of Strathclyde
Date of award
  • 2014
Thesis identifier
  • T13836
Qualification Level
Qualification Name
Department, School or Faculty
Abstract
  • The shoulder joint plays a major role in positioning the hand for interaction with the environment. Individuals who are constrained at the shoulder often struggle to perform activities fundamental to daily life and experience a loss of independence and a reduction in quality of life. Current clinical methods of functional assessment are largely subjective and rely heavily on the clinician's experience. There is a great need for a quantitative and objective measure of function which can be readily applied within the clinical environment to aid decision making in treatment planning, evaluation of treatment interventions, and monitoring of rehabilitation. A small and lightweight 3D gyroscope system comprising single-axis vibrating gyroscopes was developed to record the 3D kinematics of the upper limb. Motion data were collected from 20 subjects aged 20-30 years and 70+ years via a laptop computer during the performance of a range of planar motions, activities of daily living (ADL), and lifting tasks. Data were collected simultaneously with a "goldstandard" optoelectronic system for comparison. Humerothoracic angle data from the two systems were highly correlated. 3D gyroscope system error in range of motion (ROM) was defined as ±9.45o for flexionextension, ±9.37o for adduction-abduction, and ±12.28o for axial rotation based on upper and lower regression boundaries containing 90% of data values. Percentage error in ROM was 9.45%, 9.37%, and 12.28% respectively for a ROM of 100o. Special attention should be paid to activities involving large axial rotation components which gave the largest 3D differences in angle values between the two systems. Maximal planar motions indicated a loss of ROM with age. Age-related differences in movement performance were observed for the "hand to back of head" and "hand to same shoulder" activities where differences in mean maximal axial rotation between the young male and older female groups were 51o and 59o respectively compared with 26o for all other ADL and lifting activities. The system provides a measure of 3D joint angles over the entire duration of the movement cycle and the inclusion of elbow and wrist angles would offer a powerful method of functional assessment. The system shows great promise as a tool to support and inform clinical decision making.
Advisor / supervisor
  • Nicol, Alexander
  • Conway, Bernard
Resource Type
DOI
EThOS ID
  • uk.bl.ethos.840635
Date Created
  • 2014
Former identifier
  • 1039410

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