The paper discusses the use of accelerometry as an alternative to electromyography or subjective judgement in the assessment of functional disability. The apparatus described is an accelerometer with an f.m.-f.m. telemetry transmitter, coupled to an f.m. receiver, signal conditioner, subcarrier demodulator and twin integrator to generate positional information from acceleartion. The capabilities and limitations of accelerometry are discussed, typical recordings are presented, and interpretation of recordings is described. It is concluded that the method is well worth pursuing.