Biomedical subjects

George Rab

Publications and source records attributed to George Rab.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Upper extremity kinematics during functional activities: three-dimensional studies in a normal pediatric population.

Children with brachial plexus birth palsy, burns, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury and upper limb malformations may have diminished ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) due to limited upper extremity (UE) motion. Three-dimensional (3D) imaging techniques provide a way to document multi-planar functional limitations in the UE. These techniques have not been routinely used for this purpose primarily due to a lack of standardized protocols stemming from the complex nature of UE motion. Before 3D techniques can be routinely used for quantitative analysis and determination of functional limitations, standard activities and nomenclature for UE motion must be determined, and normal arm motion defined. This study establishes a normative pediatric database of 3D kinematic values during selected ADLs, enabling future comparisons with pathologic movements. Regardless of their underlying condition, children with limited UE function and ADL performance can be studied using this protocol and compared with this age-matched normal population.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed2002

A method for determination of upper extremity kinematics.

Kinematic analysis of the upper extremity has been conducted using a wide variety of techniques, philosophies, and analytic methods. We describe a simple, marker-based three-dimensional video analytic technique that borrows concepts from lower extremity kinematic analysis. A sequential rotation order about orthogonal axes is described, although alternate methods are examined as well. The method has been verified by application to a mechanical model. In certain positions, gimbal lock may occur, and a different sequence of rotational decomposition may be required. Agreement on standardization of technique would assist in the dissemination of upper extremity scientific data.

Algorithms↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Kinematic assessment of the upper extremity in brachial plexus birth palsy.

Children with brachial plexus birth palsy (BPBP) may have shoulder external rotation and abduction weakness that can restrict activities of daily living (ADLs). Static range of motion measurements may not measure ADL restrictions. Motion analysis has been used to quantify gait limitations and measure changes associated with treatment. The purpose of this study was to determine whether upper extremity motion analysis (UEMA) can measure the differences in shoulder motion during ADLs between children with BPBP and normal children. Following a previously described UEMA protocol, 55 children with BPBP and 51 normal children (control group) were studied. Kinematic data of selected ADLs were collected before surgery. UEMA was used to measure statistically significant differences between children with BPBP and control subjects for all planes of shoulder motion in all activities tested. The authors conclude that UEMA can discriminate between children with BPBP and control subjects during selected ADLs, and suggest that UEMA can also be used to measure the effects of surgical interventions in children with BPBP.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Assessment of children with brachial plexus birth palsy using the Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument (PODCI) measures differences in function between children with brachial plexus birth palsy (BPBP) who are candidates for shoulder tendon surgery and age-matched controls. The PODCI was administered prospectively to 23 children with BPBP who were candidates for shoulder tendon surgery. Their results were compared with published PODCI data for control subjects, and factors associated with function within the BPBP cohort were determined. Children in the BPBP cohort had significantly lower PODCI scores in upper extremity function, sports, and global function than control subjects. Limited active shoulder external rotation was significantly associated with lower functional scores. The PODCI measures diminished upper extremity function in children with BPBP who are candidates for shoulder tendon surgery, thereby showing promise as a tool for measuring baseline function and postoperative functional gains for children with BPBP.

Birth Injuries↗