title: A Novel Device for Grasping Assessment during Functional Tasks: Preliminary Results.
abstract: This paper presents a methodology and first results obtained in a study with a novel device that allows the analysis of grasping quality. Such a device is able to acquire motion information of upper limbs allowing kinetic of manipulation analysis as well. A pilot experiment was carried out with six groups of typically developing children aged between 5 and 10 years, with seven to eight children in each one. The device, designed to emulate a glass, has an optical system composed by one digital camera and a special convex mirror that together allow image acquisition of grasping hand posture when it is grasped and manipulated. It also carries an Inertial Measurement Unit that captures motion data as acceleration, orientation, and angular velocities. The novel instrumented object is used in our approach to evaluate functional tasks performance in quantitative terms. During tests, each child was invited to grasp the cylindrical part of the device that was placed on the top of a table, simulating the task of drinking a glass of water. In the sequence, the child was oriented to transport the device back to the starting position and release it. The task was repeated three times for each child. A grasping hand posture evaluation is presented as an example to evaluate grasping quality. Additionally, motion patterns obtained with the trials performed with the different groups are presented and discussed. This device is attractive due to its portable characteristics, the small size, and its ability to evaluate grasping form. The results may be also useful to analyze the evolution of the rehabilitation process through reach-to-grasping movement and the grasping images analysis.
authors.affiliation: Research in Motion Analysis Laboratory, Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of São Carlos , São Carlos , Brazil.
authors.forename: Ana Carolinne Portela
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Rocha
authors.affiliation: Research in Motion Analysis Laboratory, Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of São Carlos , São Carlos , Brazil.
authors.forename: Eloisa
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Tudella
authors.affiliation: Mechatronics Group, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Federal University of São Carlos , São Carlos , Brazil.
authors.forename: Leonardo M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Pedro
authors.affiliation: Mechatronics Group, Department of Mechanical Engineering, São Carlos School of Engineering, University of São Paulo , São Carlos , Brazil.
authors.forename: Viviane Cristina Roma
authors.initials: VC
authors.lastname: Appel
authors.affiliation: Research in Motion Analysis Laboratory, Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of São Carlos , São Carlos , Brazil.
authors.forename: Louise Gracelli Pereira
authors.initials: LG
authors.lastname: da Silva
authors.affiliation: Mechatronics Group, Department of Mechanical Engineering, São Carlos School of Engineering, University of São Paulo , São Carlos , Brazil.
authors.forename: Glauco Augusto de Paula
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Caurin
keywords: children rehabilitation; grasp quality evaluation; image processing; neurologic rehabilitation; upper limb assessment