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Welcome to Ariel Kinematics
Biomechanics, the science of motion and the
action of forces on the human body, is central to the work of Kinematic
Consultants Physicians, Physical Therapists and Biomedical Specialists.
Utilizing sophisticated data collection instruments and computer analysis
systems, KC�s professionals analyze how people move. The subject clients,
examinees or patients, are evaluated for performance efficiency in various
tasks. The results of the analysis are utilized by Physicians, Case Managers,
Employers, or Insurance specialists, to make educated decisions concerning
treatment or legal issues such as Medical Management and Disability
Determination.
Kinematic Consultants has worked with numerous
clients, including Insurance Companies, Risk Managers, and Workers� Compensation
Managers to save countless dollars, by providing precise, objective examinee
assessments.
The introduction of computerized kinematic
analysis and the use of force plates, dynamic EMG and other �state of the art�
test and measurement instruments in Physical Medicine, has been an exciting and
revolutionary process. Kinematic Functional Capacity Evaluations stand apart
from traditional FCE�s by substituting objective data collection for subjective
Examiner observation.
Prior to the medical use of these technologies,
doctors and physical therapists relied solely on static measurement instruments
and the human eye. With the Kinematic FCE, the medical profession now has a new
and objective method to evaluate human motion and measure its efficiency and
dysfunction.
Utilizing state of the art technology,
Kinematic Functional Capacity Evaluations are based on non-invasive computerized
kinetic testing. These tests are used to assist in the following areas:
� Early Return to Work decisions
� Determining safe, altered duty assignments
� Treatment outcome assessment
� Determining Maximum Medical Improvement
� Justification of Treatment
� Verification of subjective complaints
� Job and/or Work site evaluations
� Post offer physical examinations
� Fitness for Duty Exam
� Case closure
1. The APAS is a wide and varied toolbox for the
professional Biomechanist, Physical Therapist, Doctor, Researcher, etc. It is
capable of displacement, velocity and acceleraton measurements of a body segment
or body joint. It is therefore possible to precisely measure human movement to
within 1% of accuracy. If the movement is done repeatedly (gait, shoulder
flexion, etc.) it is further possible to determine human consistency in the
activity being measured. If you add peripherals such as force plates, EMG, it is
than possible to broaden the toolbox application to kinetic forces and muscle
electrical activity during motion. This also includes balance.
Therefore, between movement, kinetic forces (strength) and muscle activity, you
can analyze any kinematic (motion analysis) and/ or kinetic (forces) that make
up human performance.
2. Extraction of data: The APAS as it now exists is fully capable of extracting
all the above data and analyzing it numerically or graphically with one of its
many modules. One can extract movement data manually, graph results and extract
mathematical data streams to get results.
3. FCE information: The medical and insurance community needs a method of
measuring the functional ability of an Examinee after recovery of injury, either
for workers compensation, disability trauma or automobile accidents. The APAS
does not diagnosis but is used to assess residual dysfunction in terms of joint
or body movement, total work strength or individual limb strength, muscle
function and balance. With this information, the professional can assess
residual effects of an injury. This data is than used to match the individuals
current ability with his/ her job and decide whether the individual can return
to full duty, partial duty or not at all. The data is objective and definitive
in terms of results. The judgment of return to work is subjective and made by
the professional when the objective data is in hand and assessed with regard to
the professionals understanding of the diagnosis, surgery, treatment,
complaints, etc. of the Examinee. This data can be extracted and formed in a
simple and understandable report to the Insurance Company, Case Manager and/ or
Doctor.
4. The process: The process of performing data collection, data reduction, data
extraction and report formation can be done manually. Unfortunately, since it
involves multiple sets of data to be accurate, this process can take many hours
to perform. This is not practical in a business. Therefore, the APAS user can
employ a variety of methods to streamline this process. One can hire a
programmer to help. Often, this is a disaster because the programmer does not
understand the system, or the goal of analysis, as Reuven has apparently found
out.
5. The solution: Ariel Dynamics has the resources to work with a client to
develop a streamline approach to data extraction and report formation. This is
not a canned off the shelf program because each client has a unique set of needs
and goals. However, the information necessary for FCE is finite (depending upon
body part information). Therefore, with the aid of the Ariel Dynamics team, a
PAR (performance analysis report mechanism) can be developed to suit the need of
the client.
6. How to start: Israel FCE company needs to buy basic equipment (APAS) and
cameras. One or two cameras is good but three is optimum. Start with simple
analysis and add peripherals as the market demands, based on necessary
information to please the industry and legal system.
In summary, to develop a streamlined report mechanism for FCE in the Israeli
market, we need to form some sort of cooperative basis between ADI and the new
Israeli FCE company. Together we can make a program that is cost effective for
the insurance industry and profitable for the principles. We have done it many
times before and have working models in place for many years. ADI remains ready
to participate in this effort with its many resources.
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