Sensor abstracted extremity representation for automatic Fugl-Meyer assessment

Abstract

Given its virtually algorithmic process, the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) of motor recovery is prone to automatization reducing subjectivity, alleviating therapists’ burden and collaterally reducing costs. Several attempts have been recently reported to achieve such automatization of the FMA. However, a cost-effective solution matching expert criteria is still unfulfilled, perhaps because these attempts are sensor-specific representation of the limb or have thus far rely on a trial and error strategy for building the underpinning computational model. Here, we propose a sensor abstracted representation. In particular, we improve previously reported results in the automatization of FMA by classifying a manifold embedded representation capitalizing on quaternions, and explore a wider range of classifiers. By enhancing the modeling, overall classification accuracy is boosted to 87% (mean: 82% ± 4.53:) well over the maximum reported in literature thus far 51.03% (mean: 48.72 ± std: 2.10). The improved model brings automatic FMA closer to practical usage with implications for rehabilitation programs both in ward and at home.