LONGITUDINAL UNOBTRUSIVE MEASUREMENTS IN REHABILITATION

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  • 1 January 1976
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 57  (4) , 189-193
Abstract
Most evaluation techiques in rehabilitation emphasize descriptions of patient capability during brief time intervals under relatively standardized conditions. A conceptual approach is outlined which emphasizes the importance of evaluating how patients actually perform under everyday circumstances during extended periods of time. The underlying strategy embodied in this approach consists of the following elements: continuous monitoring of discrete activites over extended periods of time (hours to months); data collection wherever the patient goes allowing nontest behavior patterns to be studied; and unobtrusive, noninvasive ethically acceptable monitoring to minimize observer bias. Although numerous techniques can be used to obtain these kinds of measurements, recent advances in biomedical engineering make a technological approach inexpensive and feasible for selected activities. Unobtrusive instrumentation can help generate objective, quantitative information concerning actual patient behavior providing a previously unavailable data base for evaluating individual patient progress, assessing program effectiveness and developing more relevant outcome measures. Two examples of studies utilizing longitudinal unobtrusive measurements are described, and preliminary results are presented.

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