Quantitive assessment of hand function in Systemic Sclerosis
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Improvement of finger function in Systemic Sclerosis: game-based intervention informed by a 3D assessment of hand mobility Study 1: Assessing finger mobility of Systemic Sclerosis patients using a novel approach based on 3D movement analysis
IRAS ID
218984
Contact name
Elena Eusterwiemann
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Liverpool John Moores University
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 0 days
Research summary
Limited hand function in scleroderma impairs patients to perform activities of daily living, leading to increased anxiety and social isolation. Hand function assessments used in clinical practice are largely subjective, reflecting the patients’ perceived state of the disease. Numerical measurements are not reflective of the entire hand and do show differences between the clinicians. Currently clinicians do not have access to completely objective hand function tests in scleroderma, which would be necessary for accurate and patient specific treatment.
The aims of this study are to 1) objectively assess hand and finger motion using biomechanical motion capture and 2) assess movement differences between scleroderma patients and unimpaired controls to identify the origin and size of movement limitations in each patient individually.
Hand motion will be quantified using a 3D Vicon motion capture system to track movement of the wrist, palm and fingers. From this information range and speed of movements can be calculated. The 3 dimensional data collected will be analysed in a custom-made computer program based on an artificial neural network, assessing the differences between the movement data of a patient and the movement data of healthy individuals. This will result in a new movement curve, describing the deviation from normality throughout the movement. The mean deviation from normality will be calculated, providing a simple but objective measure of functional hand impairment.REC name
London - City & East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/LO/0321
Date of REC Opinion
15 Feb 2017
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion