Spatial kinematic analysis of the upper extremity using a biplanar videotaping method.

A biplanar videotaping system is used to generate spatial kinematic data of an upper extremity motion. The technique is based upon the characterization of each segment by four points in three-dimensional space using biplanar videotaping and subsequent analysis by computer-aided descriptive geometry. The tests were conducted to determine the system's accuracy and repeatability. The results of the joint kinematics of the test subjects performing a diagonal reaching activity with and without an orthosis (or an assistive device) are presented.