X-ray kinematic analysis of forelimb movements during target reaching and food taking in the cat.

We have used a three-dimensional X-ray cinematographic approach to investigate the kinematics of the forelimb during target reaching and food taking in five cats. Measurements of the trajectory of the limb during the reaching movement showed that the movement paths of the metacarpophalangeal joint (MCP) and the wrist were sigmoidal with a long nearly linear segment. The elbow followed a bent movement path with maximal inflection in the middle.

Prehension movements and motor development in children.

The maturation of manual dexterity and other sensorimotor functions was assessed with various behavioural tests. In healthy children (age 4-5 years) and in adults, the kinematics of reaching and grasping, a bimanual task and fast repetitive tapping movements were analysed. Furthermore a comprehensive motor function score (MOT), probing agility and balance, was evaluated.

X-ray kinematic analysis of shoulder movements during target reaching and food taking in the cat.

Co-ordinate movements around the shoulder are essential during reaching movements. We performed a quantitative kinematic analysis of movements of the shoulder girdle: three-dimensional X-ray frames (time resolution 20 ms) were recorded during the target-reaching and food-taking paradigm in five cats either sitting (n = 4) or standing (n = 1) in front of a food well. Movements of the scapula consisted of a flexion of the scapula (anteversion of the glenoid) followed by flexion of the gleno-humeral joint (decrease in the angle between the scapular spine and humerus).

Shaping of the cat paw for food taking and object manipulation: an X-ray analysis.

The kinematics of the cat distal forelimb during food-taking were analysed to obtain information on the movement processes within the paw before and during object taking in a species without monosynaptic corticomotoneuronal projections. The behaviour was investigated with two tests: either the table test (TT, food offered on a table located at ground level in a reaching distance of 22 and 28 cm) or the horizontal test (HT, food offered in a small container located at shoulder level, height 18-25 cm, reaching distance 6-12 cm). In five animals, the changes in configuration and the conjoint actions of the wrist, the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints were assessed with three-dimensional X-ray cinematography (time resolution 20 ms, spatial resolution 1 mm) and video analysis.

Development of prehension movements in children: a kinematic study.

To evaluate the normal development of functional hand motor skill, the kinematics of prehension movements were analyzed in 54 healthy children (age 4-12 years). The subjects repeatedly reached out for cylindrical target objects and grasped them with a precision grip of their dominant hand. The trajectory of the reaching hand and the finger aperture were monitored by optoelectronic motion analysis.