Novel Kinect-Based Method to Assess 3D Reachable Workspace in Musculoskeletal Shoulder Dysfunctions: Case Reports

Abstract

Objective: To demonstrate the feasibility and usefulness of applying Kinect sensor-based 3D reachable workspace assessment in four cases of musculoskeletal shoulder dysfunction. Methods:Reachable workspace assessments were performed using a Kinect sensor on 4 individuals with various shoulder dysfunctions (shoulder impingement syndrome, frozen shoulder, chronic shoulder dislocation, and post-surgical repair of supraspinatus tear). Upper extremity active range of motion was captured by the Kinect sensor and reconstructed to provide an intuitive graphical representation of each individual's 3D reachable workspace. For tracking each individual's progress during rehabilitation, both total and quadrant reachable workspace relative surface areas (RSA) were serially monitored over varying follow-up periods spanning 92 to 197 days. Results:The newly-developed Kinect sensor-based reachable workspace assessment was capable of measuring changes in range of motion (ROM) of individuals with musculoskeletal shoulder dysfunctions over time, reflecting improvement in 3 out of 4 presented cases. Conclusion:The demonstration cases indicate that the newly-developed sensor-based 3D reachable workspace analysis could be beneficial in clinical evaluation and during rehabilitation of various upper extremity musculoskeletal conditions. The 3D reachable workspace analysis provides a more intuitive and useful quantitative global upper extremity functional outcome measure and a means to better engage the patients through visualization of individualized reachable workspace to track their progress during rehabilitation.