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Updated: May 14, 2026
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Video Movement Analysis Using Smartphones (ViMAS): A Pilot Study
Published on: March 14, 2017
Lower limb movement asymmetry measurement with a depth camera.
Edouard Auvinet1, Franck Multon, Jean Meunier
1Biomedical Engineering Institute, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada. auvinet@iro.umontreal.ca
Summary
This study introduces a low-cost depth camera method to detect lower limb asymmetry in gait. The system successfully distinguished gait differences in a clinical setting, aiding in the diagnosis of neurological diseases and injuries.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Neurology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Gait is a complex neural and biomechanical process.
- Diseases and injuries can significantly alter gait patterns.
- Left-right asymmetry in gait can indicate underlying neurological or musculoskeletal issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a novel, clinically applicable method for analyzing lower limb asymmetry during gait.
- To develop a low-cost system for routine clinical practice.
Main Methods:
- Subjects walked on a treadmill while their gait was recorded using a depth camera.
- Left-right asymmetry was assessed by comparing depth images of the lower limbs.
- Horizontal flipping and registration techniques were used to analyze differences across the gait cycle.
Main Results:
- The system successfully distinguished introduced gait asymmetries in 20 subjects, including those with simulated pathologies.
- The method proved effective in identifying deviations from normal gait patterns.
Conclusions:
- The proposed depth camera method offers a cost-effective and easily implementable solution for assessing lower limb asymmetry in clinical settings.
- This technology has the potential to aid in the early detection and management of gait-related disorders.
