Markerless motion capture technology to quantify functional performance in dementias: a systematic review

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundQuantifying functional performance objectively and unobtrusively could offer vital insights for clinical decision making on the level of support required by people living with dementia and other neurodegenerative conditions. Markerless motion capture (MMC) is more suitable for deployment in clinical and real‐world settings because single sensor MMC systems are less expensive and less complex compared to marker‐based systems. The aim of this study was to complete a systematic review of published literature on the use of MMC with full‐body tracking in people with dementias.MethodWe systematically searched for relevant articles using the search terms motion capture, motion analysis and movement analysis combined with dementia, mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) which yielded a total of 1103 results. Inclusion criteria were MMC and full‐body tracking. Studies evaluating marker‐based motion capture, body‐worn sensors or Inertial Measurement Units, virtual reality, kinetics and interventions like DBS or exercises were excluded. 134 studies were included for full article screening out of which 17 eligible studies that met the selection criteria were included in the review.ResultMMC devices used in the reviewed studies included Microsoft Kinect (n = 15) and unspecified 2D motion camera (n = 2). Patient groups included in the studies were PD (n = 12), dementia (n = 4) and MCI (n = 1). Functional performance components evaluated were gait (n = 16), sit to stand (n = 2), turning (n = 1) and stepping in place (n = 1). About half the studies used advanced machine learning methods whereas the other half used descriptive statistical methods. The lack of standardisation in the measures used prevented us from comparing and synthesizing study results.ConclusionAlthough MMC has the potential to be used for quantifying functional performance in people with dementia, MCI and PD, there appears to be significant variation in the methods used in its evaluation. Although features of mobility were measured, none of the reviewed studies analysed activities of daily living tasks, a key component of functional performance. Standardising the process for extracting features and assessing accuracy would enable more effective validation of real‐world impact. Further research is required in people with neurodegenerative conditions for MMC to be routinely used in clinical and real‐world applications.