Upper Limb Biomechanical Analysis Applied to Patients with Stroke

Grasping and lifting small objects require the action of complex motor patterns. Neurological diseases that affect the upper limb decrease the ability to carry out activities of daily living implying quantitative limitations of movement such us reduced speed and lack of precision, especially when tasks require fine manipulation. Upper limb injury is a common sequel after stroke, and often leads to poor movement control and long term disability. Five subjects with post stroke sequelae involving upper limb motor impairment were recorded in the Biomechanics Laboratory facilities. The kinematics and dynamics parameters normalized to a movement cycle were obtained and contrasted with the control group. In short, the analysis of results allows postulating join angular velocities as relevant biomechanical parameters. Particularly in the shoulder planes defined by the globe system, there is less dispersion and better possibility of discrimination between the stroke group and the control group. The extraction of parameters by means of the three-dimensional biomechanical analysis of movement in subjects with stroke provide relevant information on the rehabilitation process and the level of functionality, characteristic of the level of affection.