The development of a microcomputer controlled hand assessment system for quantitative clinical measurement

Abstract

Quantitative hand assessments are necessarv in order to not only accurately monitor the disease progress and the effect of therapy, but in the formulation of the therapy and as an aid to a closer understanding of the disease process. Current assessments are very subjective, being based on observations of everyday activities e.g. button fastening or using a knife and fork. Any measurements that are taken, e.g. grip ‘strength’ using an inflated cuff, are generally inaccurate. An objective assessment was formulated and constructed using strain-gauged measuring devices that were a blend of functional and strength tasks. The functional tasks included the measurement of the handle grip and lifting forces in pan and kettle lifting and the measurement of torque in key turning and cloth wringing out tasks. Strength measurements included power grip strength, which also gave the individual finger contribution, pulp and lateral pinch and the extension force. For ease of operation, the measurement devices were all linked via necessary electronic circuitry to a microcomputer. This was used to automatically select the required device, collect the data and calculate, display and store the results. The software provided a user friendly interaction to permit operation by non-technical