Synergy-Based Evaluation of Hand Motor Function in Object Handling Using Virtual and Mixed Realities

This study introduces a novel system for evaluating hand motor function through synergy-based analysis during object manipulation in virtual and mixed-reality environments. Conventional assessments of hand function are often subjective, relying on visual observation by therapists or patient-reported...

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Main Authors: Yuhei Sorimachi, Hiroki Akaida, Kyo Kutsuzawa, Dai Owaki, Mitsuhiro Hayashibe
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-03-01
Series:Sensors
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/25/7/2080
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author Yuhei Sorimachi
Hiroki Akaida
Kyo Kutsuzawa
Dai Owaki
Mitsuhiro Hayashibe
author_facet Yuhei Sorimachi
Hiroki Akaida
Kyo Kutsuzawa
Dai Owaki
Mitsuhiro Hayashibe
author_sort Yuhei Sorimachi
collection DOAJ
description This study introduces a novel system for evaluating hand motor function through synergy-based analysis during object manipulation in virtual and mixed-reality environments. Conventional assessments of hand function are often subjective, relying on visual observation by therapists or patient-reported outcomes. To address these limitations, we developed a system that utilizes the leap motion controller (LMC) to capture finger motion data without the constraints of glove-type devices. Spatial synergies were extracted using principal component analysis (PCA) and Varimax rotation, providing insights into finger motor coordination with the sparse decomposition. Additionally, we incorporated the HoloLens 2 to create a mixed-reality object manipulation task that enhances spatial awareness for the user, improving natural interaction with virtual objects. Our results demonstrate that synergy-based analysis allows for the systematic detection of hand movement abnormalities that are not captured through traditional task performance metrics. This system demonstrates promise in advancing rehabilitation by enabling more objective and detailed evaluations of finger motor function, facilitating personalized therapy, and potentially contributing to the early detection of motor impairments in the future.
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spelling doaj-art-7a41df59187b46ae802948a1e8fc831e2025-08-20T03:03:24ZengMDPI AGSensors1424-82202025-03-01257208010.3390/s25072080Synergy-Based Evaluation of Hand Motor Function in Object Handling Using Virtual and Mixed RealitiesYuhei Sorimachi0Hiroki Akaida1Kyo Kutsuzawa2Dai Owaki3Mitsuhiro Hayashibe4Neuro-Robotics Lab, Department of Robotics, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8579, JapanNeuro-Robotics Lab, Department of Robotics, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8579, JapanNeuro-Robotics Lab, Department of Robotics, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8579, JapanNeuro-Robotics Lab, Department of Robotics, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8579, JapanNeuro-Robotics Lab, Department of Robotics, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8579, JapanThis study introduces a novel system for evaluating hand motor function through synergy-based analysis during object manipulation in virtual and mixed-reality environments. Conventional assessments of hand function are often subjective, relying on visual observation by therapists or patient-reported outcomes. To address these limitations, we developed a system that utilizes the leap motion controller (LMC) to capture finger motion data without the constraints of glove-type devices. Spatial synergies were extracted using principal component analysis (PCA) and Varimax rotation, providing insights into finger motor coordination with the sparse decomposition. Additionally, we incorporated the HoloLens 2 to create a mixed-reality object manipulation task that enhances spatial awareness for the user, improving natural interaction with virtual objects. Our results demonstrate that synergy-based analysis allows for the systematic detection of hand movement abnormalities that are not captured through traditional task performance metrics. This system demonstrates promise in advancing rehabilitation by enabling more objective and detailed evaluations of finger motor function, facilitating personalized therapy, and potentially contributing to the early detection of motor impairments in the future.https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/25/7/2080synergyhand motor functionleap motion controllermixed realityHoloLens 2
spellingShingle Yuhei Sorimachi
Hiroki Akaida
Kyo Kutsuzawa
Dai Owaki
Mitsuhiro Hayashibe
Synergy-Based Evaluation of Hand Motor Function in Object Handling Using Virtual and Mixed Realities
Sensors
synergy
hand motor function
leap motion controller
mixed reality
HoloLens 2
title Synergy-Based Evaluation of Hand Motor Function in Object Handling Using Virtual and Mixed Realities
title_full Synergy-Based Evaluation of Hand Motor Function in Object Handling Using Virtual and Mixed Realities
title_fullStr Synergy-Based Evaluation of Hand Motor Function in Object Handling Using Virtual and Mixed Realities
title_full_unstemmed Synergy-Based Evaluation of Hand Motor Function in Object Handling Using Virtual and Mixed Realities
title_short Synergy-Based Evaluation of Hand Motor Function in Object Handling Using Virtual and Mixed Realities
title_sort synergy based evaluation of hand motor function in object handling using virtual and mixed realities
topic synergy
hand motor function
leap motion controller
mixed reality
HoloLens 2
url https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/25/7/2080
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AT kyokutsuzawa synergybasedevaluationofhandmotorfunctioninobjecthandlingusingvirtualandmixedrealities
AT daiowaki synergybasedevaluationofhandmotorfunctioninobjecthandlingusingvirtualandmixedrealities
AT mitsuhirohayashibe synergybasedevaluationofhandmotorfunctioninobjecthandlingusingvirtualandmixedrealities