Advancing Osteoarthritis Care: Using MAI Motion to Better Understand Knee Function

Why Assessing Knee Function Matters in Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a widespread and often painful joint condition that can limit mobility and affect everyday life. Understanding how the knee functions is crucial for managing osteoarthritis effectively. This is where MAI Motion comes in—a cutting-edge tool that gives doctors and therapists a clear, detailed view of the knee in action. By analyzing key biomechanical indicators, MAI Motion helps healthcare professionals see what’s really happening inside the joint, so they can tailor treatments to each person’s needs.

The Science of Biomechanics in Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis doesn’t occur at random. It’s closely connected with the way forces are distributed through the knee and how the joint moves. Changes in these biomechanics—such as how much load the knee bears or how freely it bends—can hasten cartilage breakdown and worsen symptoms. Traditional assessments often rely on static tests or patient feedback, which miss the full picture of how the knee works during real movement. MAI Motion addresses this gap by delivering real-time, objective data about knee function, making osteoarthritis diagnosis and treatment more accurate and personalized.

How MAI Motion Works: Taking a Closer Look at Knee Movement

MAI Motion uses advanced sensors and intelligent software to track the knee’s three-dimensional movements as someone walks, bends, or performs daily activities. It measures several critical aspects:

  • Joint loading patterns: Shows how forces are distributed across the knee, revealing potential areas at risk.
  • Range of motion: Measures how much the knee can bend and straighten, highlighting stiffness or restrictions.
  • Joint alignment: Tracks how well the knee bones align during movement, contributing to overall joint health.

Unlike standard methods that provide only a static or limited view, MAI Motion captures the knee in motion, offering a much richer and more precise understanding. This system can detect subtle changes early—before symptoms worsen—allowing clinicians to intervene sooner. By focusing on measurable indicators like joint loading and range of motion, MAI Motion delivers detailed, actionable insights that can make a difference in care.

What This Means for Treatment and the Future of Osteoarthritis Care

The detailed data provided by MAI Motion has the power to transform how osteoarthritis is managed. With objective insights, doctors can make more informed choices, monitor how the disease is progressing, and tailor treatments for each patient. For instance, catching early biomechanical changes could prompt preventive steps to protect the knee from further damage. While widespread adoption of this technology brings challenges, such as training and equipment costs, ongoing research is focused on making MAI Motion easier to use and evaluating its impact across patient populations. These efforts will help integrate this promising tool into everyday osteoarthritis care.

Looking Ahead: A New Era for Osteoarthritis Assessment

In summary, MAI Motion is redefining how knee function is assessed in people with osteoarthritis . By providing a detailed and dynamic view of knee movement and loading, it moves beyond traditional assessments and supports more personalized treatment . As the technology advances, it promises to help healthcare providers deliver more precise, proactive care—making a real difference in the lives of people with osteoarthritis .

References

Armstrong, K., Wen, Y., Zhang, L., Ye, X., & Lee, P. (2022). Novel Clinical Applications of Marker-less Motion Capture as a Low-cost Human Motion Analysis Method in the Detection and Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis. , , . https://doi.org/10.4172/2167-7921.2022.11.053

Wen, Y., Verma, T., Whitehead, J. P., & Lee, P. (2025). Empirical Validation of a Streamlined Three-Repetition Sit-to-Stand Protocol Using MAI Motion. Applied Sciences, 15(10), 5688. https://doi.org/10.3390/app15105688