Introducing AI-based pose detection for digital physical rehabilitation
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Table of contents
Applying camera-based motion analysis for digital MSK rehabilitation
Introducing AI-based pose detection by Abto Software
AI-powered human pose detection or estimation is an advanced technique, which involves artificial intelligence to identify the position of human body parts (biceps, forearms, thighs, calves, and more) in images and videos.
AI-powered human pose detection enables computers to interpret visual information by using computer vision, in particular object detection, image segmentation, and other sophisticated techniques.
The 101 of digital pose detection
In the prior days, before today’s computational advancements, pose estimation was typically done manually. This required expensive cameras, special markers and sensors, and technically trained personnel to assist.
It goes without saying that without computational technology, pose detection has required great expertise. Involved analysts had to be able to understand the mechanics of movement in order to identify body motion and track the changes in posture and position.
In addition, manual analysis was prone to errors, as the same movements could be interpreted differently.
Built-in cameras (smartphones, tablets) along with artificial intelligence are now significantly revolutionizing human scanning — computer analysis eliminates limitations providing accuracy and consistency.
The adoption of virtual motion analysis
Telehealth and telemedicine solutions are becoming more and more popular among physicians and patients, and the COVID-19 pandemic is one of the main drivers:
65 percent of respondents (practicing physicians in the United States) haven’t used telehealth software before the COVID-19 crisis
43 percent of respondents started seeing their patients by using telehealth software at the peak times of the COVID-19 outburst — Statista, 2022
AI human pose estimation is also gaining momentum, and there are multiple growth factors worth mentioning.
The evolvement of technology
The availability of large-scale annotated datasets
The popularization of wearables
The need for data-driven clinical decision-making
The prevalence of common musculoskeletal disorders
The emergence of personalized treatment programs
The benefits of using AI-based pose detection in rehabilitation
As part of a telerehabilitation platform, computer vision assessment can:
1. Release the physical therapist from resource-intense routine tasks
The platform can digitize and visualize the execution of exercises — the movements are tracked and evaluated to provide practical guidelines and facilitate quick recovery, which improves patient outcomes and satisfaction:
By executing the exercises in front of the phone’s camera, the patients can receive real-time feedback to adjust their movements and prevent potential injuries
By reviewing the results after scheduling an appointment, the professionals can evaluate the progress and refine the program
2. Help the physical therapist detect early MSK problems
The platform can provide instant analysis to prevent and ensure timely treatment of common MSK problems:
Muscle and ligament strain
Disc rupture
Neck tension
Chest compression
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Mechanical back syndrome
The conditions of utilizing AI-powered pose estimation
The process is easy as ABC:
Fix the background scene and camera: The distance to camera, the position of camera, stable lighting
Specify the movement/exercise set that should be tracked
Choose the best-suiting framework (for the background scene, the camera, and exercises)
Other tips:
Remove any bulky objects
Wear skin-tight, contrasting clothing
Use a yoga mat in a solid color to determine the dimensions
Pose detection: The value for physicians and patients
For therapists, the benefits of using AI human pose detection is significant:
Simplified administration — all necessary motion data is collected, structured, analyzed, and accessible
Data-driven decision-making — using accurate motion data also means creating precise treatment plans
No hardware — a smartphone or tablet is all it needs
Remote support — the patients can be easily monitored from anywhere
For patients, the capabilities of modern CV body pose estimation allow to:
Identify errors during exercising to avoid potential injuries
Receive guidance during exercising to adjust performed movements
Analyze performance
Track progress
Pose estimation: The areas of use
AI real-time motion analysis software facilitates:
Digital therapeutics
Digital rehabilitation
Elderly care/geriatric physical therapy
Orthopedics and sports medicine
Prosthetic design and fitting
Surgical planning
Spinal rehab
CV camera-based movement analysis software benefits:
Patients undergoing physical therapy for rehabilitation
Patients with chronic conditions
Elderly people at risk of falls
Disabled people
Medical professionals and geriatric physical therapists
Summing up
We deliver cutting-edge technology for markerless movement capture providing accurate skeleton recognition. It can be applied across industries, including the healthcare industry, surveillance, fitness, animation, gaming, and other large sectors.
Our products are designed to accelerate smooth integration into musculoskeletal rehabilitation platforms, empowering personal physical therapists.
We develop modern-day technology for real-time movement assessment transforming virtual physical therapy — by leveraging artificial intelligence, we aim to replace traditionally utilized, unnecessary markers and sensors.