Adapting the Fastrak® System for Three-Dimensional Measurement of the Motion of the Wrist

Abstract

The Polhemus Fastrak® short-range miniature transmitter and mini-receivers allow wrist motion to be measured continually in three dimensions, registering patterns of motion, which until now were difficult to quantify. The current study aimed to determine the applicability and repeatability of the Fastrak® system when assessing wrist movements during a set protocol of activities. The device was found to be easy to use and repeatable; the Fastrak® system showed a mean error of up to 3° in all movements tested. Its assessment of range of motion correlated with the results in the literature. The Fastrakv® system was suitable for continuous registration of movements during the performance of set tasks in either of the wrists. It has the potential to be used for documentation of wrist motion in clinics for various pathologies and for assessing outcomes in wrist surgeries.