Evaluation of Reliability of the Luna EMG Rehabilitation Robot to Assess Proprioception in the Upper Limbs in 102 Healthy Young Adults

Abstract

Background Proprioception, the body’s ability to perceive its own position and movement, is fundamental for motor control and coordination. Reliable assessment tools are essential, particularly for conditions affecting proprioceptive function. This study aimed to evaluate the external and internal compliance of the Luna EMG multifunction robotic device in assessing proprioception. Material/Methods The study involved 102 healthy students (31 men and 71 women; mean age 22.2±1.46 years), assessing proprioception using the Luna EMG for the upper limbs. Two investigators conducted measurements, which were repeated after 2 weeks under identical conditions. Results Based on the identified values of the interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) (ICC=0.969–0.997), which is a key measure of agreement between 2 assessments, the study shows a high agreement of measurements both between investigators (for right hand: P =0.3484 [Exam 1]; P =1.0000 [Exam 2]; for left hand: P =0.1092 [Exam 1]; P =0.7706 [Exam 2]) and between the examinations (for right hand: 0.1127 [Investigator 1]; 0.2113 [Investigator 2]; for left hand: P =0.0087 [Investigator 1]; P =0.1466 [Investigator 2]). The Bland-Altman analysis showed very small inter-rater deviations, approximately 0.05° in the first examination for the left side and 0.04° for the right side. The highest deviation between the examinations, amounting to 0.08°, was identified for the left side. Conclusions The study shows that the Luna EMG multifunction robotic device enables a reliable evaluation of upper limb proprioception. Measurements performed using this device show high internal and external consistency in the assessment of the proprioceptive senses of the upper limb in 102 healthy young adults.