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Published on: August 30, 2016
Development, Reliability, and Validity Assessment of a Portable 3D Camera-Based System for Quantifying Postural Sway
Vivek Ganesh Sonar1, Vibhor Agrawal2, Krushal Kalkani2
1Department of Computer Science & Electrical Engineering, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA.
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 15, 2026
Summary
A new portable 3D camera system accurately measures postural sway for balance assessment. This reliable and valid technology offers a low-cost, accessible alternative to traditional lab-based systems for evaluating fall risk.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Medical Technology
- Rehabilitation Engineering
Background:
- Accurate postural sway assessment is crucial for balance disorders, rehabilitation, and fall risk evaluation.
- Traditional laboratory-based motion capture systems are precise but costly and lack portability.
- There is a need for accessible, portable solutions for balance assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a portable three-dimensional (3D) camera system for quantifying postural sway and balance.
- To assess the test-retest reliability and concurrent validity of the new system.
Main Methods:
- A portable 3D camera system (Intel RealSense D415) was developed and tested.
- Test-retest reliability was assessed in healthy adults (n=10).
- Concurrent validity was established against a laboratory-based optical motion capture system (Optotrak).
Main Results:
- High test-retest reliability was observed (Intraclass Correlation Coefficients [ICCs] = 0.84-0.86).
- Strong correlations and high agreement were found when comparing with Optotrak measurements (mean absolute percentage error of 10.5%).
- The system operates at 30 Hz with low latency (<40 ms).
Conclusions:
- The RealSense-based system is a reliable, valid, and portable tool for postural sway assessment.
- It presents a promising low-cost alternative to expensive, non-portable laboratory systems.
- Further validation in clinical populations is recommended before widespread clinical deployment.
