A System to Quantify Upper Limb Function

Abstract

<p>Hand dysfunction presents patients with many challenges in performing activities of daily life. In order to restore manipulative functionality, patients participate in rehabilitation therapy programs. However evaluation of treatment, particularly for children, is often limited to subjective assessments and qualitative measures. This project involves the instrumentation of a child’s toy with a pressure sensor, in order to obtain quantitative grip strength measurements. This data is collected and is wirelessly communicated to a laptop computer. Through a virtual instrument analysis system implemented on a laptop with Labview, the collected data is recorded, analyzed and displayed. The theory and design of the grip strength instrumentation and data acquisition, and the main structure of the virtual instrument analysis system for this project is presented. This overall system allows for the quantitative assessment and monitoring of muscle function in the hand, and can help to evaluate the effectiveness of rehabilitation treatment. In the future, this technology can also be retrofitted towards other toys in order to target a wider range of age groups for children.</p>