Team-led research from Japan reveals the potential of utilizing nine-axis motion sensors to assess upper extremity Fugl-Meyer (FMA). The exploration focuses on methods for integrating inertial measurement units (IMUs) into FMA and explores whether standardized and more objective measurements can emerge to address a pressing issue in dynamic motion assessment.

The nine-axis IMU consists of accelerometers, gyroscopes and magnetometers to measure object orientation and velocity. The research team realized the limitations of traditional optical motion capture systems, and that the IMU was able to match its accuracy with greater versatility and efficiency. By profiling the sensor readings, correlations with FMA scores were revealed and it was determined if their fusion could lead us to an automated, objective mechanism for assessing upper extremity function after stroke. This study demonstrates that the use of IMUs can produce more consistent and accurate FMA scores with less reliance on subjective measurements.

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