Date of Award

Summer 2004

Document Type

Thesis - Restricted

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Biomedical Engineering

First Advisor

Harris, Gerald F.

Second Advisor

McGuire, John R.

Third Advisor

Wang, Mei

Abstract

Human motion analysis has largely been focused on the lower extremity. New interests have directed research to the area of upper extremity motion analysis. No standard movements exist for the upper extremity, such as a repeating gate pattern unique to lower extremity motion. Thus, upper extremity motion is very complex to measure. Current models lack patient specific parameters, calculations using Euler angles, validation, and application to a patient population. To quantify upper extremity motion, a complex three-dimensional kinematic model was developed. The model consists of the trunk, upper arms and forearms, connected by the shoulder and! elbow joints. Validation of the model was performed to assess its accuracy and resolution. To show its effectiveness, the model was applied to a population of eight stroke patients. A pre treatment comparison of affected to unaffected arms was completed. The Wilcoxon sign rank test was performed on the metrics of range of elbow motion, angular velocity, and peak time of angular velocity. A simplified index, which is clinically acceptable, such as range of elbow motion, is used to describe the patients' functionality. The 3D model is successful in quantifying kinematics of the upper extremity.

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