Development of a new assessment tool for cervical myelopathy using hand-tracking sensor: part 1: validity and reliability

Alagha, M. A., Alagha, M. A., Dunstan, E., Sperwer, O., Timmins, K. and Boszczyk, B. (2017) Development of a new assessment tool for cervical myelopathy using hand-tracking sensor: part 1: validity and reliability. European Spine Journal, 26(4), pp. 1291-1297. (doi: 10.1007/s00586-017-4948-3) (PMID:28102448)

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Abstract

Purpose: To assess the reliability and validity of a hand motion sensor, Leap Motion Controller (LMC), in the 15-s hand grip-and-release test, as compared against human inspection of an external digital camera recording. Methods: Fifty healthy participants were asked to fully grip-and-release their dominant hand as rapidly as possible for two trials with a 10-min rest in-between, while wearing a non-metal wrist splint. Each test lasted for 15 s, and a digital camera was used to film the anterolateral side of the hand on the first test. Three assessors counted the frequency of grip-and-release (G-R) cycles independently and in a blinded fashion. The average mean of the three was compared with that measured by LMC using the Bland–Altman method. Test–retest reliability was examined by comparing the two 15-s tests. Results: The mean number of G-R cycles recorded was: 47.8 ± 6.4 (test 1, video observer); 47.7 ± 6.5 (test 1, LMC); and 50.2 ± 6.5 (test 2, LMC). Bland–Altman indicated good agreement, with a low bias (0.15 cycles) and narrow limits of agreement. The ICC showed high inter-rater agreement and the coefficient of repeatability for the number of cycles was ±5.393, with a mean bias of 3.63. Conclusions: LMC appears to be valid and reliable in the 15-s grip-and-release test. This serves as a first step towards the development of an objective myelopathy assessment device and platform for the assessment of neuromotor hand function in general. Further assessment in a clinical setting and to gauge healthy benchmark values is warranted.

Item Type:Articles
Additional Information:The study was funded by Nottingham University Hospitals (Spine Research).
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Alagha, Mahmoud Amir
Authors: Alagha, M. A., Alagha, M. A., Dunstan, E., Sperwer, O., Timmins, K., and Boszczyk, B.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
Journal Name:European Spine Journal
Publisher:Springer
ISSN:0940-6719
ISSN (Online):1432-0932
Published Online:19 January 2017

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