Measuring Passive, Active, and Functional Range of Motion following Brain Injury Using a Low-Cost Wearable Monitor

Lisa K. Simone, Ph.D.,^1-2, Nappinnai Sundarrajan, M.S.¹, Elie P. Elovic, M.D.^1-2, Derek G. Kamper, Ph.D.^3
1Kessler Medical Rehabilitation Research and Education Corporation, West Orange, NJ
²Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ
³Sensory Motor Performance Program, Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL

ABSTRACT

Joint range of motion (ROM) has been explored as a predictor of functional ability in the hand and fingers. Three types of ROM methods reported in the literature were compared using a lightweight low-cost wearable monitor that was designed to measure finger posture in individuals with motion disorders in the hands. While wearing the monitor, 10 individuals with brain injury and 10 healthy individuals were assessed for passive ROM, active ROM, and functional ROM of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints. Significant and expected differences were observed between passive and active ROM. However, differences between active and functional ROM were related to ability level. Active ROM was the best predictor of function, while ROM measured during functional activities was similar in all subjects regardless of functional ability. The implication of these findings requires further exploration.

KEYWORDS:

function, outcome measures, finger posture, range of motion

Author Contact Information:

Lisa K. Simone, Ph.D.
Kessler Medical Rehabilitation Research and Education Corporation
1199 Pleasant Valley Way
West Orange, NJ 07052
Phone (973) 324-3550
EMAIL: lisa.simone.wt03@wharton.upenn.edu