On the Use of Kinect V2 for the Assessment of Upper Extremity Movements

Abstract

Upper extremity assessment is an important step in rehabilitation and treatment of upper extremity impairments. Current assessment methods are mostly based on likert type scales. For example, Fugl-Meyer test is one of the common but subjective tests for upper extremity assessment. The aim of this study is to test the reliability of Kinect V2 camera as an assessment tool of upper extremity movements in the Fugl-Meyer test. Thirty volunteers participated in the study performed ten upper extremity movements in front of a Kinect V2 camera. After data acquisition, collected data is used to calculate the joint angles. Calculated angle values are examined in terms of relative reliability via Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), and absolute reliability via Standard Error of Measurement (SEM), Minimum Detectable Change (MDC) for both within-day, and between-days measurements. Results indicate that Kinect V2 provides good to excellent ICC values for within-day, and medium to good ICC values for between-days. In addition, Kinect V2 has higher absolute reliability in within-day measurements than between-days measurements.