Movement Outcomes Acquired via Markerless Motion Capture Systems Compared with Marker-Based Systems for Adult Patient Populations: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Mobile motion capture is a promising technology for assessing physical movement; markerless motion capture systems (MLSs) offer great potential in rehabilitation settings, given their accessibility compared to marker-based motion capture systems (MBSs). This review explores the current literature on rehabilitation, for direct comparison of movement-related outcomes captured by MLSs to MBSs and for application of MLSs in movement measurements. Following a scoping review methodology, nine databases were searched (May to August 2023). Eligible articles had to present at least one estimate of the mean difference between a measure of a physical movement assessed by MLS and by MBS. Sixteen studies met the selection criteria and were included. For comparison of MLSs with MBSs, measures of mean joint range of motion (ROM) displacement were found to be similar, while peak joint angle outcomes were significantly different. Upper body movement outcomes were found to be comparable, while lower body movement outcomes were very different. Overall, nearly two-thirds of measurements identified statistical differences between MLS and MBS outcomes. Regarding application, no studies assessed the technology with patient populations. Further MLS-specific research with consideration of patient populations (e.g., intentional error testing, testing in less-than-ideal settings) would be beneficial for utilization of motion capture in rehabilitation contexts.

Keywords

• motion capture
• markerless
• movement analysis
• clinical applicability
• scoping review