Improved kinect-based spatiotemporal and kinematic treadmill gait assessment.

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Rehabilitation Technology
• Clinical Assessment Tools

Background:

• Gait analysis is crucial for prescribing rehabilitative and preventive therapies.
• Clinician-friendly, automated gait assessment tools are needed.
• The Microsoft Kinect v2 offers a potential low-cost solution for gait analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the validity and reliability of the Microsoft Kinect v2 for gait analysis.
• To compare Kinect v2 measurements with a 3D motion analysis system.
• To assess the accuracy of Kinect v2 in capturing spatiotemporal parameters and joint kinematics.

Main Methods:

• Ten healthy subjects walked on a treadmill at two speeds (1.3 and 1.6 m/s).
• Spatiotemporal parameters (e.g., step length, pelvis motion) and sagittal plane joint kinematics (hip, knee, ankle angles) were extracted using Kinect v2 and 3D motion analysis.
• Interclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC2,1) and Lin's Concordance Correlation Coefficient (rc) were used to assess agreement and reproducibility.

Main Results:

• The Kinect v2 demonstrated potential for effective clinical assessment of sagittal plane knee and hip joint kinematics.
• The tool showed accuracy in measuring certain spatiotemporal variables, including pelvis displacement and step characteristics.
• High agreement and reproducibility were observed for specific gait parameters when compared to 3D motion analysis.

Conclusions:

• The Microsoft Kinect v2 is a potentially effective and inexpensive tool for clinical gait analysis.
• Its capabilities in assessing lower extremity joint motion and spatiotemporal variables support its use in rehabilitation.
• Further validation may enhance its role in clinical practice for gait assessment.