Enhanced metrics for identification of forearm rehabilitation

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effect of different spatial force reflection algorithms on target acquisition for both able-bodied and spastic individuals, and to compare the sensitivity of time domain parameters to phase plane parameters as metrics of altered performance. Individuals who experience random motor spasms during forearm motion were selected from diagnostic groups including head trauma, cerebro-vascular accident, and cerebral palsy. The experiment investigated the ability of four spatial force reflection algorithms to enhance target acquisition performance for these individuals and for able-bodied controls. Time domain performance metrics included reaction, motion, and acquisition times. These parameters show that spastic individuals benefit from force reflection and that improvement is enhanced with increasing Polynomial order of the force reflection algorithm. Error phase plane parameters appear to be even more sensitive to the effect of force reflection and reveal that able-bodied subjects spend less time on fine motor control with the aid of force reflection