Introduction
Assessing movement is a cornerstone of healthcare and rehabilitation. By understanding how patients move, clinicians can track progress and tailor treatments more effectively. Thanks to advances in technology, movement assessments are becoming more accurate, efficient, and accessible than ever before. One breakthrough is MAI Motion—a markerless motion capture system that analyzes body movement without requiring uncomfortable sensors.
This article introduces a streamlined version of a common test: the three-repetition (3×) sit-to-stand. Enabled by MAI Motion, this shorter protocol reduces patient effort without sacrificing the quality of information. Faster, easier assessments benefit both patients and healthcare professionals, helping everyone get the most out of each session.
The Evolution of Motion Capture Technology
For years, motion capture relied on attaching small markers to the body to record precise movements. While this method is accurate, it can be uncomfortable and time-consuming to set up. Markerless systems like MAI Motion have revolutionized this process by using cameras and sophisticated software, eliminating the need for physical attachments.
These advances are a huge advantage in fields like biomechanics, which studies how our bodies move. Functional assessments—such as observing how a person stands up from a chair or takes a few steps—are crucial for monitoring recovery and guiding therapy. Yet, many traditional tests are lengthy and exhausting, especially for older adults or individuals with physical limitations.
Limitations of the Traditional Sit-to-Stand Test
The sit-to-stand test is a simple way to check leg strength and mobility. Traditionally, patients are asked to stand up and sit down five times in a row while their movement is recorded. While effective, this can be tiring—particularly for those who have joint pain, muscle weakness, or reduced stamina.
Fatigue can make these tests less accurate, and longer assessments require more time, which is a problem in busy clinics. These challenges have prompted the search for a shorter, more manageable test that still yields valuable insights.
The New Three-Repetition Sit-to-Stand Test
To address these issues, researchers developed a three-repetition sit-to-stand test using MAI Motion’s markerless technology. In this updated protocol, participants only need to stand up and sit down three times, while the system captures detailed information about their movements—particularly their joint angles and movement patterns.
When compared to the traditional five-repetition version, the three-repetition test produced nearly identical results in all key measurements. Crucially, the data showed no meaningful differences in movement metrics between the two protocols. This demonstrates that the shorter test provides healthcare professionals with all the data they need, without overexerting patients.
Additionally, the markerless system allows for accurate motion capture using standard video cameras, making it easier to implement in a wide range of clinical settings.
Reliable Data with Less Effort
Researchers also examined the consistency of movement during the test by measuring the “coefficient of variation”—an indicator of how much a person’s movement changes from one attempt to the next. The three-repetition version was just as consistent as the longer test, showing that reliability is maintained.
Perhaps most importantly, participants found the shorter test much less tiring. By reducing patient effort without compromising data quality, the three-repetition sit-to-stand test stands out as both effective and patient-friendly.
Benefits for Patients and Clinicians
The shorter three-repetition test delivers clear advantages. Because it demands less physical effort, it’s ideal for older adults or those with mobility issues. Reducing fatigue ensures that test results reflect true ability—not exhaustion.
The abbreviated test also fits easily into busy clinic routines, saving valuable time for clinicians and allowing for more frequent assessments.
Supporting Better Treatment and Recovery
Faster and less strenuous assessments allow for more regular progress checks. This means therapists can closely monitor improvement and adjust treatment plans sooner, leading to more responsive and effective care.
MAI Motion’s markerless system eliminates the need for complex setups, making high-quality movement analysis available not only in clinics but also in rehabilitation centers and even at home. This accessibility paves the way for widespread use and better patient outcomes.
How MAI Motion Analyzes Movement
MAI Motion breaks the sit-to-stand movement down into four main phases:
- Flexion momentum: Leaning forward to begin standing up.
- Moment transfer: Shifting weight from the chair onto the feet.
- Extension: Straightening the hips and knees to reach a standing position.
- Stabilization: Achieving balance while standing.
By tracking joint angles and checking for symmetry in these phases, MAI Motion provides a detailed picture of movement quality. This allows clinicians to spot any challenges or compensatory patterns, even with just three repetitions, making each assessment both thorough and efficient.
Advantages Compared to Traditional Tests
The three-repetition protocol offers several key benefits over the standard five-repetition test:
- Less fatigue: Patients can complete the test comfortably, leading to more accurate results.
- Consistent measurements: Shorter duration helps reduce variability and improves reliability.
- Greater convenience: Easier to use in clinics, rehabilitation centers, or at home.
For example, an elderly individual with limited strength can finish the test more easily, allowing clinicians to collect reliable data without unnecessary strain. Research has shown that important features—like the smoothness of knee movement—can still be accurately detected in this shorter format.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Movement Assessment
The three-repetition sit-to-stand test with MAI Motion represents a significant step forward in evaluating movement. It’s quicker, less demanding, and just as precise as traditional methods—making it a valuable tool for rehabilitation and routine healthcare.
Looking to the future, this approach could expand to other assessments, including tests involving arm movements or gait analysis. As markerless motion capture continues to advance, movement assessments will become even easier and more accessible, leading to better care for more people.
Conclusion
MAI Motion’s three-repetition sit-to-stand test offers a smarter, more patient-friendly way to assess movement. By blending advanced markerless technology with a well-designed protocol, it balances convenience and accuracy—empowering clinicians and benefiting patients alike.
This innovation not only advances the field of biomechanics but also supports more frequent, reliable assessments. The end result: patients receive better, more tailored care—and a better chance at healthy, active lives.
If you’d like to learn more about how technology like MAI Motion is changing rehabilitation, be sure to check back for the latest insights and updates in movement analysis.