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Using data from the Microsoft Kinect 2 to determine postural stability in healthy subjects: A feasibility trial
Behdad Dehbandi1,2, Alexandre Barachant3, Anna H Smeragliuolo1,2
1Department of Telemedicine and Virtual Rehabilitation, Burke Medical Research Institute, White Plains, New York, United States of America.
Plos One
|February 15, 2017
Summary
Microsoft Kinect 2 (MK2) kinematic data accurately quantifies postural stability. MK2 data achieved 97% accuracy in classifying stability levels, outperforming force platforms for this application.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Human Movement Analysis
- Wearable Technology
Background:
- Postural stability assessment is crucial for evaluating balance and fall risk.
- Traditional methods often rely on specialized equipment like force platforms.
- Exploring accessible technologies for objective balance measurement is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the Microsoft Kinect 2 (MK2) for quantifying postural stability in healthy individuals.
- To compare MK2 kinematic data with force platform measurements.
- To assess the efficacy of machine learning algorithms in classifying postural conditions using MK2 data.
Main Methods:
- Twelve healthy subjects performed standardized postural stability tasks.
- Kinematic data captured by the MK2 and ground reaction forces from a force platform were recorded.
- Machine learning was applied to classify three postural conditions: feet on ground, one foot elevated, and both feet elevated.
Main Results:
- Strong correlations (r > 0.85) were observed between MK2 trunk centroid data and force platform center of pressure.
- MK2-based machine learning achieved 97.0% mean accuracy in classifying postural conditions.
- Force platform-based machine learning achieved 84.4% mean accuracy, indicating MK2's superior performance.
Conclusions:
- Microsoft Kinect 2 kinematic data provides reliable and sufficient information for classifying postural stability levels.
- The MK2 offers a promising, accessible tool for objective postural stability assessment.
- Further validation in populations with balance impairments is recommended for clinical application.
