Accuracy of KinectOne to quantify kinematics of the upper body

Motion analysis systems deliver quantitative information, e.g. on the progress of rehabilitation programs aimed at improving range of motion. Markerless systems are of interest for clinical application because they are low-cost and easy to use. The first generation of the Kinect™ sensor showed promising results in validity assessment compared to an established marker-based system. However, no literature is available on the validity of the new ‘Kinect™ for Xbox one’ (KinectOne) in tracking upper body motion. Consequently, this study was conducted to analyze the accuracy and reliability of the KinectOne in tracking upper body motion.Twenty subjects performed shoulder abduction in frontal and scapula plane, flexion, external rotation and horizontal flexion in two conditions (sitting and standing). Arm and trunk motion were analyzed using the KinectOne and compared to a marker-based system. Comparisons were made using Bland Altman statistics and Coefficient of Multiple Correlation.On average, differences between systems of 3.9 ± 4.0° and 0.1 ± 3.8° were found for arm and trunk motion, respectively. Correlation was higher for the arm than for the trunk motion.Based on the observed bias, the accuracy of the KinectOne was found to be adequate to measure arm motion in a clinical setting. Although trunk motion showed a very low absolute bias between the two systems, the KinectOne was not able to track small changes over time. Before the KinectOne can find clinical application, further research is required analyzing whether validity can be improved using a customized tracking algorithm or other sensor placement, and to analyze test–retest reliability.     

Use of the Xbox Kinect virtual gaming system to improve gait,postural control and cognitive awareness in an individual with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy

Purpose: The purpose of this report is to describe an intervention using the Xbox Kinect virtual gaming system to improve gait, postural control and cognitive awareness in order to reduce falls and improve the quality of life for an individual with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. Methods: A 65-year-old woman with a five-year history of PSP and frequent falls presented for physical therapy. Her case was complicated by poor ability to visually track objects, axial rigidity, retropulsion, poor postural control with reaching and declines in cognitive awareness. Intervention was provided using the Xbox Kinect for 12 one-hour sessions over six weeks in an outpatient setting. Games were selected to challenge functional motor and cognitive tasks based on patient enjoyment. Results: The Xbox Kinect intervention may have contributed to a decline in falls and maintenance of scores on the BBS, TUG and 10 Meter Walk Tests above fall risk values. A decline in quality of life measures, PDQ-39 and FFABQ, may be attributed to an increase in cognitive awareness of deficits promoted by the intervention structure. Conclusion: Implementation of a gaming intervention using the Xbox Kinect is feasible for reducing fall risk, maintaining function and improving cognitive awareness when used in an outpatient setting.

• Implications for Rehabilitation

• Progressive Supranuclear Palsy is a rare and rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disease wherethere is a lack of long-term rehabilitation options to help slow their rapid progressions.

• Our case demonstrates the feasibility of an intervention using a virtual gaming system to helpmaintain functional mobility, balance and independence for an individual with PSP.

• Collaborative interactions between game companies and physical therapists will improve theability of virtual games to address rehabilitation goals within neurodegenerative populations.

     

Impact of Kinect-based virtual reality training on physical fitness and quality of life in severely burned children: A monocentric randomized controlled trial

Pediatric burns lead to persistent and detrimental muscle breakdown, weakness and poor quality of life, so rehabilitation is integral for improving physical and psychological outcomes. However, children with burns are a major challenge to a rehabilitation team. To overcome these challenges, enjoyable and interesting interventions are suggested. Objective: we aimed to determine the impact of the Xbox Kinect on cardiopulmonary fitness, muscle strength, lean mass, quality of life and enjoyment in severely burned children after hospital discharge. Methods: this was a randomized controlled trial in a single centre. Participants (n = 40 children) with burn injuries were randomized to the Xbox training group (n = 20) or control group (n = 20) during 12 weeks. All children received a home programme rehabilitation and Xbox training children received Xbox training. Outcomes included cardiopulmonary fitness (VO₂peak), muscle strength (peak torque), lean mass (whole-body and regional), quality of life and physical activity enjoyment at baseline, immediately after hospital discharge, and 12 weeks after the intervention. Results: the mean (SD) age of the 40 children was 12.97 (1.42) years and total body surface area of burn was 51% (5). The groups did not differ in characteristics at baseline (P > 0.05). After 12 weeks of the intervention, the groups significantly differed in VO₂peak, peak torque, quality of life (P < 0.001), lean mass and leg lean mass (P < 0.05) in favour of Xbox training. The mean difference in VO₂peak, peak torque, lean mass and leg lean mass was 3.25 (2.1; 4.5) ml/kg/min, 7.5 (5.8; 9.2) Nm, 1.81 (0.5; 3.1) kg, and 1.1 (0.1; 2.1) kg, respectively. Lean trunk mass did not significantly differ between groups (P = 0.07). The Xbox training group reported significantly more enjoyment than did the control group (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Xbox Kinect training can increase cardiopulmonary fitness, muscle strength, lean mass and quality of life in burned children. It is one of the most enjoyable, motivated and efficient treatment modalities that should be widely introduced into the pediatric burn rehabilitation. Trial registration. ClinicalTrials.gov (ID: NCT04350034).     

Women with fibromyalgia’s experience with three motion-controlled video game consoles and indicators of symptom severity and performance of activities of daily living

Purpose: Little is known of Motion-Controlled Video Games (MCVGs) as an intervention for people with chronic pain. The aim of this study was to explore the experience women with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) had, using commercially available MCVGs; and to investigate indicators of symptom severity and performance of activities of daily living (ADL). Method: Of 15 female participants diagnosed with FMS, 7 completed a program of five sessions with Nintendo Wii (Wii), five sessions with PlayStation 3 Move (PS3 Move) and five sessions with Microsoft Xbox Kinect (Xbox Kinect). Interviews were conducted at baseline and post-intervention and were supported by data from observation and self-reported assessment. Results: Participants experienced play with MCVGs as a way to get distraction from pain symptoms while doing fun and manageable exercise. They enjoyed the slow pace and familiarity of Wii, while some considered PS3 Move to be too fast paced. Xbox Kinect was reported as the best console for exercise. There were no indication of general improvement in symptom severity or performance of ADL. Conclusion: This study demonstrated MCVG as an effective healthcare intervention for the women with FMS who completed the program, with regards to temporary pain relief and enjoyable low impact exercise.

• Implications for Rehabilitation

• Exercise is recommended in the management of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS).

• People with FMS often find it counterintuitive to exercise because of pain exacerbation, which may influence adherence to an exercise program.

• Motion-controlled video games may offer temporary pain relief and fun low impact exercise for women with FMS.

     

Use of virtual reality intervention to improve reaction time in children with cerebral palsy: A randomized controlled trial

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the training effects of Virtual Reality (VR) intervention program on reaction time in children with cerebral palsy. Methods: Thirty boys ranging from 7 to 12 years (mean = 11.20; SD = .76) were selected by available sampling method and randomly divided into the experimental and control groups. Simple Reaction Time (SRT) and Discriminative Reaction Time (DRT) were measured at baseline and 1 day after completion of VR intervention. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and paired sample t-test were performed to analyze the results. Results: MANOVA test revealed significant effects for group in posttest phase, with lower reaction time in both measures for the experimental group. Based on paired sample t-test results, both RT measures significantly improved in experimental group following the VR intervention program. Conclusions: This paper proposes VR as a promising tool into the rehabilitation process for improving reaction time in children with cerebral palsy.     

The effects of exergaming and treadmill training on gait,balance, and cognition in a person with Parkinson’s disease: A case study

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) commonly impairs posture, gait, and cognition. Exercise in the form of aerobic activity as well as exergaming may improve motor ability and cognition in persons with PD. Exergaming and treadmill training can be a practical form of exercise within the home; however, there is minimal research on this combined multimodal intervention for persons with PD. Objective: We investigated the effects of this combined intervention on cognition, balance, and gait in a person with PD through supervised lab sessions augmented by home-based sessions. Methods: This case study utilized an ABA single subject experimental design with 4 weeks of pre-intervention, followed by 8 weeks of intervention, and 4 weeks of post-intervention. The intervention consisted of treadmill walking and Xbox Kinect exergaming, 30 minutes each, performed unsupervised at home and at supervised lab sessions. The two standard deviation band method was used to determine significance. Results: MiniBEST test, 2-minute walk distance, sway area, endurance test, and a few parameters of gait initiation and gait improved significantly throughout the intervention period. Only a few measures sustained the improvement 4 weeks after completion of intervention. Conclusion: Eight weeks of treadmill and exergaming intervention with a person with PD improved static and dynamic postural control measures, but not gait, cognition, endurance, and clinical measures of balance. Longer and more intense multimodal intervention may be warranted.     

Effects of Tai Chi,Fitness Boxing,and Video Activities on the Balance and Endurance of a Participant with Multiple Sclerosis: A Case Study

Various recreational activities have been identified as effective interventions to improve balance in individuals with compromised gait, balance, and a history of falls. This investigation explored the effectiveness of Tai chi, fitness boxing, and the Xbox Kinect on the balance of one participant with multiple sclerosis (MS). An 11-week program was implemented with each intervention scheduled for a 3-week duration. The participant’s balance was assessed prior to and at the conclusion of each intervention using the Multidirectional Reach test, Vestibular subtest of the Fullerton, and the Sensory Interaction in Balance test. The participant began each session with a warm up involving stretching and ended with a cool down of lap walking. The 2-min step test was used to measure progress toward improving endurance. Results suggest that the greatest improvement in balance occurred following the implementation of the both Tai chi and Xbox Kinect. Some improvement with endurance was additionally noted in the results of the 2-min step test. As a case study, this investigation cannot provide conclusive results that one intervention is preferred over another. However, our findings provide emerging evidence that balance can potentially be improved through the use of Tai chi, the Xbox Kinect, and fitness boxing.