Manipulation of Objects with and without the Use of the Index Finger: Implications for Digital Amputations
Received 29 July 2009; received in revised form 11 February 2010; accepted 30 April 2010. published online 07 July 2010. Corrected Proof
Abstract
Study Design
Clinical Measurement.
Purpose
To evaluate changes in temporal and amplitude movement accuracy with tasks requiring fine motor manipulation with and without the use of the index finger (WIF).
Three objects, ranging in weight and size, that required the use of 2 or 3 fingers were selected for this study. Motor performance was quantified during manipulation of a pen, cork, and wine glass using a computerized visual guided tracking task. The miniBird (Ascension Technology, Burlington, VT, USA) miniature motion tracking sensor was attached to each object to measure and record the 3D linear and angular motion.
Results
Task performance and temporal accuracy of the pen task in the normal condition was more accurate (P=.033). During the WIF condition there was significantly more motion performing the wine task (P<.001).
Conclusions
The protocol directly measures the ability of the hand to coordinate movement in response to a visual tracking target. Both temporal accuracy and amplitude consistency can be objectively evaluated. The current study evaluates the ability of the hand to manipulate 3 objects used in fine motor manipulation, using motion analysis and visual tracking.
Level of Evidence
3b.
Faculty of Medicine, School of Medical Rehabilitation, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
Faculty of Medicine, School of Medical Rehabilitation, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
Faculty of Medicine, School of Medical Rehabilitation, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
Correspondence and reprint requests to Barbara L. Shay, BMR.PT, MSc, PhD, School of Medical Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, R106-771 McDermot Ave, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada R3E 0T6.
Parts of this article have been presented in poster format at the World Confederation for Physical Therapy Conference, in Vancouver, Canada, June 2–6, 2007.
ABSTRACT
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