Accuracy of observational kinematic assessment of upper-limb movements

Abstract

Background and Purpose. This study investigated the accuracy of physical therapists' visual judgments about kinematic features of the upper-limb movements of people without neurological impairments and people with neurological impairments following a cerebrovascular accident (CVA). Subjects. Ten experienced physical therapists served as observers. Eleven people with a primary diagnosis of cortical or subcortical CVA and 4 older individuals without neurological impairments participated as 'performers.' Methods. The performers were videotaped as they completed a transport task. Three videotapes were edited to form three physical scales of peak movement speed, jerkiness, and hand path indirectn..