Upper limp movement analysis of patients with neuromuscular disorders using data from a novel rehabilitation gaming platform

Abstract

This paper describes the methodology for analyzing data from a novel platform that utilizes gamification techniques targeting patients with neuromuscular disorders that result in upper-limb movement limitations. The patient is asked to perform a number of sessions as prescribed by the physician for rehabilitation purposes, while the data are used to assess their progress. The hand movement is analyzed, and features are extracted regarding the movement patterns velocity, jitter, and trajectory. A set of sessions derived from healthy individuals have being recorded and analyzed so as to establish a baseline for the metrics. A statistical analysis of the differences between the healthy subjects and the patients is performed, helping us to focus on features of interest to the disease. The results will help determine how the patients’ motor skills are improving as the therapy progress, and accordingly adjust the number and type of sessions prescribed in a personalized manner.