Accuracy and Variability of a Commercial Markerless Motion Capture System Compared to a Pressure Mat for Weight Distribution in Standing: Cross-Sectional Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: Commercial markerless motion capture (MMC) systems show promise for use in rehabilitation and have been validated for the assessment of various parameters. However, no prior studies have evaluated MMC systems to detect stance asymmetry. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the accuracy and variability of the Jintronix Weight Shift Tool MMC system to estimate the percentage of weight borne on each foot. METHODS: Twelve healthy younger adults, 12 healthy older adults, and 12 people living with stroke were recruited for this cross-sectional study. The percentage of weight borne on each foot was simultaneously recorded by the Weight Shift Tool and a validated pressure mat during 2 series (raising the arm to capture the recording and without arm raise) with left lean, right lean, and equal stance. Agreement between the Weight Shift Tool and the pressure mat was assessed using Bland-Altman analyses. RESULTS: Bias was greatest for older adults for all stances except for right lean without arm raise. Variability was greatest for people living with stroke for all stances except for left lean with arm raise. On average, the limits of agreement were narrower during equal stance. Although bias between the Weight Shift Tool and the pressure mat was small to moderate (0.0%-11.7%), the limits of agreement were wide (12.8%-33.6% above and below the bias). CONCLUSIONS: The Weight Shift Tool is not clinically acceptable for the estimation of the percentage of weight on each foot due to high variability. Investigation of other MMC systems is required to confirm the validity of MMC for clinical assessment.