The validity of an objective measurement method using the Leap Motion Controller for fingers wrist, and forearm ranges of motion

Abstract

The present study aimed to validate the Leap Motion Controller (LMC)-based Fizyosoft (R) HandROM System developed by our team to evaluate range of motion (ROM) for fingers, wrist, and forearm in a new clinical setting. Thirty-five healthy individuals participated in the study (all right-handed, 20-30 years old). The LMC-based Fizyosoft (R) HandROM System is a licensed software ROM-measurement developed by our team. Pronation/supination, wrist flexion/extension, ulnar/radial deviation and metacarpophalangeal (MCP) flexion/extension of all fingers were measured with both the Fizyosoft (R) HandROM System and a universal goniometer. No significant differences were found between the two measurement methods for almost all mean ROMs except for ulnar and radial deviation (p > 0.05). Highly significant correlations were found between all ROMs of the forearm, wrist, and thumb (p < 0.01). MCP flexion showed significant correlation only in the index finger (r = 0.516, p = 0.003) and little finger (r = 0.517, p = 0.004). Besides, for both measures, the intraclass correlations were good to excellent on all ROMs of the forearm, wrist, and fingers except for MCP of the middle and ring fingers (0.68-0.88). The present study results indicated that the LMC-based Fizyosoft (R) HandROM System could sensitively track changes in the active motion of the thumb, wrist, and forearm. It is a viable alternative for assessing ROMs of the forearm, wrist, and thumb in patient follow-up. (C) 2021 SFCM. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.