Abstract

Introduction: Frailty is a decline in physical, psychological and social functioning primarily seen in older adults and manual dexterity is crucial for maintaining independence and quality of life in this population. This study aimed to explore the relationships between variables from a virtual calligraphy system using a haptic device and upper limb function.
Methods: The study participants were right-handed community-dwelling residents aged ≥40 years. The exclusion criteria were severe visual or hearing impairments, significant neurological or musculoskeletal disorders, recent upper limb surgery, cognitive impairments and acute upper limb pain. The virtual calligraphy system measured five parameters: Pressure Discrepancy (PD), Centerline Deviation (CD), Coverage Ratio (CR), Over-Rate (OR) and Writing Time (WT). Upper limb function and hand dexterity were assessed using the Simple Test for Evaluating Hand Function (STEF) and Hand Grip Strength (HGS). Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficients.
Results: A total of 39 participants (mean age: 64.2±12.4 years) were included. CD showed a significant negative correlation with the total STEF score for both the right hand (r=-0.440, p<0.01) and the left hand (r=-0.336, p<0.05). CR showed a positive correlation with the total STEF score for the left hand (r=0.392, p<0.05). OR showed a significant negative correlation with the total STEF score for the left hand (r=-0.478, p<0.01). No significant correlations were found between WT and the STEF scores or HGS.
Conclusion: The findings highlight significant relationships between variables obtained from the virtual calligraphy system and upper limb function. This suggests the potential of virtual calligraphy systems using a haptic device as tools for assessing and improving manual dexterity in older individuals, with implications for managing frailty and enhancing brain connectivity.

Keywords:Frailty; Virtual calligraphy; Haptic device; Upper lime function; Simple Test for Evaluating Hand Function (STEF); Hand Grip Strength (HGS); Older individuals; Precision control; Motor skills

Abbreviations:QOL: Quality of Life; ADL: Activities of Daily Living; SMA: Supplementary Motor Areas; STEF: Simple Test for Evaluating Hand Function; HGS: Hand Grip Strength; PD: Average Pressure Discrepancy Rate; CD: Average Centerline Deviation; CR: Coverage Ratio; OR: Over-Rate; WR: Writing Time