A Novel Protocol for Integrated Assessment of Upper Limbs Using the Optoelectronic Motion Analysis System: Validation and Usability in Healthy People.

(1)

Background

Upper limb (UL) function plays a central role in daily life, enabling essential tasks such as reaching, grasping, and eating. While numerous tools exist to evaluate UL kinematics, their application in pediatric populations is often limited by a lack of age-specific validation. This study presents a novel motion analysis protocol featuring a customized marker set, aimed at assessing UL movements in the three anatomical planes across different age groups, with a focus on pediatric applicability. (2) Materials and

Methods

A SmartDX motion capture system was used, with 30 markers positioned on the upper body, referencing the trunk as the root of the kinematic chain. Ten healthy participants (mean age: 18.69 ± 12.45 years; range: 8.0-41.4) without UL impairments were recruited. The broad age range was intentionally selected to assess the protocol's transversal applicability. (3)

Results

Results showed excellent intra-operator reliability for shoulder and wrist kinematics (ICC > 0.906) and good reliability for elbow movements (ICC > 0.755). Inter-operator reliability was good to excellent (shoulder ICC > 0.958; elbow ICC > 0.762; wrist ICC > 0.826) Usability, measured via the System Usability Scale, was rated as good (83.25). (4)

Conclusions

The proposed protocol demonstrated strong reliability and practical usability, supporting its adoption in clinical and research settings. Its design allows for adaptability across motion capture platforms, promoting wider implementation in pediatric UL functional assessment.