This study compared the performance of the Microsoft Kinect, a widely-available and inexpensive video-game peripheral used for active gaming, to the performance of a research-grade motion capture system for measuring the coordination of rhythmic manual movements. Such movements are typically used in characterizing motor deficits in children and pathological populations. Results suggest that Kinect accurately estimates some aspects of these hand movements but fails to provide comparable accuracy as research grade motion capture systems, such as those used in in the production of movies and video games. Despite these limitations, low-cost and portable technology like the Kinect provides the opportunity to collect human movement data in clinical or home-based settings. Our further investigations are aimed at determining the contexts and movements in which the Kinect can be reliably used as a research tool.
Co-PI: Dr. Howard Zelaznik (HK), Dr. Jessica Huber (SLHS), Dr. Shirley Rietdyk (HK), Dr. Laura Claxton (HK), and Dr. Jeff Haddad (HK)
Students: Josh Liddy
