In this study we will compare two electronic goniometric gloves to see if they can be used in research on joint movement in arthritis. One of the gloves we will use is the commercially available '5DT Ultra 14 glove', the other is a glove that we have specially designed and developed for use in people with arthritis. Both gloves are 'high-end' gloves with sensors for all of the finger and thumb joints. We aim to find out if the gloves are accurate and if they can be worn and used without too much discomfort by people with arthritis.
This is an open pilot study to assess the usability and accuracy of two electronic goniometric gloves in measuring finger joint movement in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis. We will use questionnaires to assess pain, stiffness and disability. We will be using an inner disposable glove worn under the electronic goniometric gloves as this will be important for infection control in clinical use. We will calibrate the electronic goniometric gloves using wooden blocks at predefined angles using our own software calibration process to optimise the accuracy of the glove for the individual patient. The patient will flex and extend their fingers repeatedly to get measurements of the minimum and maximum angle of flexion in their joints. During these movements we will also capture the dynamic characteristics of movement such as maximum velocity. In this study a laptop will be used to capture and record all of the measurements from the electronic goniometric glove and record the time at which the measurements were taken. Each electronic goniometric glove will be refitted for a second set of tests to assess variability due to the fitting process. We will record a full set of data from each set of movements for later analysis. Finally, we will assess usability and establish if patients have a preference between the two electronic goniometric gloves.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Purpose
HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
Using the electronic data gloves to perform a set routine of movements: * 5DT 'dataglove 14 Ultra' Electronic glove (commercially available) * New 'Tyndall/UU' developmental dataglove
Western Health and Social Care Trust
Londonderry, United Kingdom
The accuracy of joint angle measurement by each electronic goniometric glove will be compared with the accuracy of manual goniometry.
The standard error of measurement for each electronic goniometric glove will be used to evaluate the reliability of each electronic goniometric glove. This will be compared to the standard error of measurement for manual goniometry.
Time frame: 1 day
The variability in the measurement of joint movement velocity
With rapid repeated movements of finger flexion and extension, the measured maximum velocity of movement should remain fairly constant. The intraclass correlation coefficient will be used to assess the variability in the measurement of joint movement velocity.
Time frame: 1 day
Variability of joint angle measurements by the electronic goniometric gloves will be assessed
The Intraclass Correlation coefficient for joint angle measurement will be measured for each electronic goniometric glove
Time frame: 1 day
The number of patients who withdraw or refuse to continue
Electronic goniometric gloves may not be easy to don and doff in patients with arthritis, particularly if used with an inner disposable glove. Because of the small numbers we will not apply a statistical analysis
Time frame: 1 day
Variation in joint angle movement between fit and refit
If a electronic goniometric glove relies on accurate sensor positioning, refitting may give widely varying results. Each glove will be refitted once.
Time frame: 1 day
Variation in joint angle measurement across the range of movement
With use of electronic goniometric gloves, joint angle measurement may be less accurate at the extremes of movement
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Time frame: 1 day
Variation in joint angle movement across sensors - between digits
Although it may be assumed that the sensors in each digit should perform equally well, the movement of the stretch sensors over the joints may vary between digits. This analysis will test for this variability
Time frame: 1 day
The number of patients who prefer one electronic goniometric glove over the other
We will ask the patient which electronic goniometric glove they prefer. This will assess usability factors such as comfort, neatness of fit, and ease of donning and doffing.
Time frame: 1 day
The variation in joint angle measurement with force applied
We will use the Intra class correlation test to determine if the accuracy of measurements is affected by the patient gripping tightly against a moulded object held in the palm of their hand.
Time frame: 1 day
We will test the variability of joint angle measurements in wrist extension/flexion
We will compare the Intraclass Correlation coefficient for joint angle measurements carried out using the electronic goniometric glove in wrist extension/flexion
Time frame: 1 day