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Related Experiment Videos

Using the Microsoft Kinect™ to assess 3-D shoulder kinematics during computer use.

Xu Xu1, Michelle Robertson2, Karen B Chen1

  • 1Edward P. Fitts Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA.

Applied Ergonomics
|April 12, 2017
PubMed
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A marker-less Microsoft Kinect™ sensor shows promise for measuring shoulder kinematics in office ergonomics. Its accuracy is best when front-placed, offering insights for computer users

Area of Science:

  • Biomechanics
  • Human-Computer Interaction
  • Ergonomics

Background:

  • Shoulder joint kinematics are crucial for assessing musculoskeletal issues in office workers.
  • Traditional motion tracking systems are lab-bound, limiting field applicability.
  • Portable, marker-less sensors are needed for accessible ergonomics studies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the feasibility of a Microsoft Kinect™ sensor for measuring shoulder kinematics during computer tasks.
  • To compare Kinect sensor accuracy with a traditional motion tracking system.
  • To determine optimal Kinect sensor placement for reliable measurements.

Main Methods:

  • Eleven healthy participants performed standardized computer tasks.
  • Shoulder kinematics were simultaneously recorded using a Kinect sensor and a motion tracking system.
Keywords:
Motion trackingOffice ergonomicsShoulder biomechanicsWorkstation design

Related Experiment Videos

  • Kinect sensor placement was varied (front, 15°, 30° side).

    • Main Results:

    • Front-placed Kinect sensor yielded more accurate shoulder kinematics measurements.
    • Kinect demonstrated better accuracy for shoulder flexion/extension (RMSE < 10°).
    • Shoulder adduction/abduction (RMSE ~10-15°, improved to <10° post-calibration) and axial rotation (RMSE ~15-30°) showed higher errors.

    Conclusions:

    • The Kinect sensor is a feasible, low-cost tool for assessing shoulder kinematics in office ergonomics.
    • Optimal sensor placement (front) and calibration enhance measurement accuracy.
    • Findings suggest Kinect can inform strategies to improve computer users' office ergonomics.