Introduction: Combining Precision with Practicality in Motion Analysis

Understanding how our lower limbs move is essential for diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal conditions. MAI Motion is an innovative markerless digital platform designed to capture detailed insights into our movements during everyday activities, like the sit-to-stand (STS) test. Unlike traditional systems that require attaching sensors or markers to the body, MAI Motion uses only video technology, delivering the same detailed information in a quicker, more comfortable way. By analyzing natural movements like standing up from a chair, healthcare professionals get a clearer assessment of musculoskeletal health . In this article, we dive into the science behind MAI Motion’s efficient three-repetition protocol and explore how it brings together advanced biomechanics and smart technology to provide reliable, patient-friendly clinical data.

The Science Behind the Three-Repetition Approach

At the heart of MAI Motion is a deep understanding of human biomechanics—how muscles, bones, and joints work together to create movement. The platform measures crucial joint angles at the hip, knee, and ankle, as well as impulse ratios and ranges of motion as users rise from sitting. Research shows that just three repetitions of the STS test yield results as reliable as lengthier protocols traditionally using five or more repetitions. This streamlined approach reduces fatigue, which can affect the consistency and accuracy of any motion analysis . Fewer repetitions not only make the test easier and more comfortable for patients, but also produce more consistent, trustworthy results. By focusing on the essential details of this everyday movement, MAI Motion empowers clinicians with valuable data to support smarter, more personalized care—without overburdening patients.

From Video to Valuable Data: How MAI Motion Works

But how does a simple video transform into insightful clinical data? MAI Motion uses advanced computer algorithms—essentially sophisticated software that analyzes each movement frame by frame. These algorithms intelligently track joint positions, compute angles, and calculate impulse ratios with great precision. The system then compares outcomes from the three repetitions using industry-standard measures like average values and consistency (known as the coefficient of variation). Recent studies have confirmed that variability between three and five repetition protocols is minimal, ensuring accurate data without lengthy procedures. Under the hood, MAI Motion leverages the latest in artificial intelligence and digital processing, adapting to individual differences such as age, mobility, or injury. This flexibility means it can deliver high-quality, consistent motion analyses for a diverse range of patients.

Why This Matters for Clinical Practice and What’s Next

The efficient three-repetition protocol presents real advantages in clinical settings. With fewer repetitions required, patients experience less fatigue and greater comfort, encouraging fuller participation in assessments. The markerless, video-based approach also enables remote monitoring, so patients can complete assessments from the comfort of home—while clinicians receive reliable, high-quality data. By making musculoskeletal assessment easier and less intrusive, MAI Motion has the potential to improve both the patient and provider experience. Looking ahead, there’s exciting potential to extend this technology to other everyday movements and broader patient populations. Put simply, MAI Motion brings detailed biomechanical analysis and an accessible, patient-friendly approach together, making musculoskeletal care more precise and more widely available.

Conclusion: A Step Forward in Motion Analysis

MAI Motion’s three-repetition sit-to-stand protocol represents a smart fusion of biomechanics and technology. It delivers clear, reliable insights while easing the process for patients. By turning complex motion data into practical clinical knowledge, MAI Motion is making movement analysis more efficient and accessible. As markerless digital motion capture continues to advance, innovations like this promise to enhance musculoskeletal assessments and improve care for a broader range of people.