The utility of Kinect motion sensing technology in the rehabilitation of shoulder joint dysfunction caused by fracture of the humerus

Abstract

Objective To explore the utility of Kinect motion sensing technology in the rehabilitation of shoulder joint dysfunction caused by surgical neck fracture of the humerus. Methods Fifty-one patients with shoulder joint dysfunction caused by surgical neck fracture of the humerus were randomly divided into a Kinect group (26 cases) and a control group (25 cases). Both groups were given routine joint mobilization and rehabilitation training, while the Kinect group additionally spent time on a computer with Kinect software in activities such as picking peaches, playing golf, climbing ladders, throwing balls and with a game called open sesame . Before and after 4 weeks of treatment, both groups were assessed for pain, ability in the activities of daily living (ADL), and range of motion (ROM) of the shoulder joint using the Constant-Murley shoulder functional rating score scale (CMS) and a muscle test scale. Results After the treatment, significant improvement in all of the measurements was observed in the Kinect group, and in all except the average ROM in the control group. The average pain, ADL, ROM and muscular strength of the Kinect group were then all significantly better compared to the control group. After the treatment, the average total CMS score of the Kinect group was also significantly better. Among all the patients in the Kinect group, 88.46% had good or excellent treatment effect. Conclusion Kinect-based motion sensing technology can significantly improve rehabilitation outcomes for such patients. Key words: Humeral fractures; Shoulder joint; Exercise therapy; Randomized controlled trials