Kinematic indices for upper extremity assessment after spinal cord injury: A case of study

Abstract

A 38-year-old man, with incomplete spinal cord injury at the C6 level, classified as American Spinal Injury Impairment Scale C (AIS), right-handed, participated in a study for assessing the upper extremity functionality in an objective way by means of a set of kinematic indices for quantifying upper extremity ability and dexterity. Along his rehabilitative treatment, the participant was evaluated twice over 6 weeks, with the main objective of analyzing the upper extremity functional changes in the kinematic indices proposed between both assessments in relation to accuracy, agility, efficiency, coordination and smoothness movement characteristics during the performance of the drinking activity of daily living. Results: The kinematic indices proposed showed more functional changes within the patient that the clinical scales. Conclusion: Data from one subject showed important information on the feasibility and effectiveness of the kinematic indices for detecting upper extremity functional changes after incomplete spinal cord injury.