Rating stroke patients based on movement analysis

Abstract

Impairments and activities of daily living (ADL) of patients with stroke are usually assessed by clinical scales. It is a rather subjective method. A device and a method are presented to objectively characterize movement disorders (impairment) of stroke patients. The finger-tapping and the pointing movements of 15 stroke patients were recorded and analysed with a simple, 2D, passive marker-based, clinically applicable movement analyser, PAM (Passive Marker-based Analyzer for Movements). The result of the objective assessment is compared to human ratings. Movement analysis gives valuable information also about the improvement of motor performance during rehabilitation. Based on the analysis, functional rating can be done with good resolution and accuracy; the measure of disability can also be determined. Good correlation has been found between the results of movement analysis and the Rivermead Motor Assessment. The rating scales assessing ADL functions give markedly different results.