The Reliability of the Microsoft Kinect and Ambulatory Sensor-Based Motion Tracking Devices to Measure Shoulder Range-of-Motion: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Peter Beshara,Matthew Pelletier,David B Anderson,William R Walsh

doi:10.3390/s21248186

Abstract

Advancements in motion sensing technology can potentially allow clinicians to make more accurate range-of-motion (ROM) measurements and informed decisions regarding patient management. The aim of this study was to systematically review and appraise the literature on the reliability of the Kinect, inertial sensors, smartphone applications and digital inclinometers/goniometers to measure shoulder ROM. Eleven databases were screened (MEDLINE, EMBASE, EMCARE, CINAHL, SPORTSDiscus, Compendex, IEEE Xplore, Web of Science, Proquest Science and Technology, Scopus, and PubMed). The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the consensus-based standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) checklist. Reliability assessment used intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) and the criteria from Swinkels et al. (2005). Thirty-two studies were included. A total of 24 studies scored “adequate” and 2 scored “very good” for the reliability standards. Only one study scored “very good” and just over half of the studies (18/32) scored “adequate” for the measurement error standards. Good intra-rater reliability (ICC > 0.85) and inter-rater reliability (ICC > 0.80) was demonstrated with the Kinect, smartphone applications and digital inclinometers. Overall, the Kinect and ambulatory sensor-based human motion tracking devices demonstrate moderate–good levels of intra- and inter-rater reliability to measure shoulder ROM. Future reliability studies should focus on improving study design with larger sample sizes and recommended time intervals between repeated measurements.

Highlights

The clinical examination of individuals with shoulder pathology routinely involves the measurement of range-of-motion (ROM) to diagnose, evaluate treatment, and assess disease progression [1,2,3]
Many models have been proposed in literature, it remains difficult to determine the contribution of individual components of glenohumeral joint and scapulothoracic joint motions
The aim of this article is to review systematically, and appraise critically, the literature investigating the reliability of the Kinect and ambulatory sensor-based motion tracking devices for measuring shoulder ROM

Summary

Introduction

The clinical examination of individuals with shoulder pathology routinely involves the measurement of range-of-motion (ROM) to diagnose, evaluate treatment, and assess disease progression [1,2,3]. The shoulder complex involves the coordination of the acromioclavicular, glenohumeral and scapulothoracic joints, to allow motion in three biomechanical planes, the sagittal, coronal, and axial planes [4]. The biomechanical complexity of the shoulder is demonstrated by the synergy of movements necessary for a person to perform activities of daily living. Activities such as reaching for a high shelf or hair washing requires a combination of flexion and adduction. The reliability of any tools used for ROM measurement is important for clinicians to make informed decisions regarding patient management [9]

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