Distribution of subject scores for the sBBT, mBBT, and tBBT.

<p>Outliers are plotted as red crosses.</p

Targeted box and blocks test: Normative data and comparison to standard tests

<div><p>Background</p><p>The Box and Block Test (BBT) is a functional outcome measure that is commonly used across multiple clinical populations due to its benefits of ease and speed of implementation; reliable, objective measurement; and repetition of motion. In this study, we introduce a novel outcome measure called the targeted BBT that allows for the study of initiation, grasping, and transport of objects, and also of object release. These modifications to the existing test may increase the ecological validity of the measure while still retaining the previously stated benefits of the standard BBT.</p><p>Methods</p><p>19 able-bodied subjects performed the targeted BBT and two other standard tests. Using an integrated movement analysis framework based on motion capture and ground force data, quantitative information about how subjects completed these tests were captured. Kinematic parameters at the wrist, elbow, shoulder, thorax, and head, as well as measures of postural control, were calculated and statistically compared across the three tests.</p><p>Results</p><p>In general, the targeted BBT required significantly higher RoM at the elbow, shoulder, thorax and head when compared to standard tests. Peak angles at these joints were also higher during performance of the targeted BBT. Peak angles and RoM values for the targeted BBT were close to those found in studies of movements of able-bodied individuals performing activities of daily living.</p><p>Conclusion</p><p>The targeted BBT allows analysis of repetitive movements, and may more closely model common real-world object manipulation scenarios in which a user is required to control a movement from pick-up to release.</p></div

Kinematic trajectories and RoM of the right shoulder.

<p>Kinematic trajectories and RoM of the right shoulder for the sBBT (blue), mBBT (green), and tBBT (red). (A)Shoulder flexion and (C) shoulder abduction trajectories for each test. (B) Shoulder flexion RoM and (D) shoulder abduction RoM for each test.</p

Description of tests.

<p>Description of tests.</p

Kinematic trajectories and RoM of the thorax.

<p>Kinematic trajectories and RoM of the thorax for the sBBT (blue), mBBT (green), and tBBT (red). (A) Forward tilt and (C) left tilt trajectories for each test. (B) Forward tilt RoM and (D) left tilt RoM for each test.</p

Kinematic trajectories and RoM of the right elbow.

<p>Kinematic trajectories and RoM of the right elbow for the sBBT (blue), mBBT (green), and tBBT (red). (A) Right elbow flexion as a function of percent trial completion, averaged over all subjects for each BBT. (B) Right Elbow RoM</p

Kinematic trajectories and RoM of the head.

<p>Kinematic trajectories and RoM of the head for the sBBT (blue), mBBT (green), and tBBT (red). (A) Forward tilt and (C) left tilt trajectories for each test. (B) Forward tilt RoM and (D) left tilt RoM for each test.</p

Kinematic trajectories and ROM of the wrist/forearm.

<p>Kinematic trajectories and ROM of the wrist/forearm for the sBBT (blue), mBBT (green), and tBBT (red). (A)Wrist flexion/extension and (C) forearm internal rotation trajectories for each test. (B) Wrist flexion/extension RoM and (D) forearm internal rotation RoM for each test.</p