Comparison of gait deviation index (GDI) and gait variability index (GVI) measured by marker-based and markerless motion capture systems in children with cerebral palsy (CP).
Jutharat Poomulna, Brian A Knarr, Vivek Dutt and 1 others
PMID 39490268WHAT IT FOUND
In children with cerebral palsy, Theia3D markerless motion capture gave lower Gait Deviation Index scores than marker-based capture, especially in more affected limbs.
Gait Variability Index scores did not differ. Do not compare GDI scores across systems.
Key findings
01For less-affected limbs, marker-based GDI scores were 74.0 ± 11.1 and Theia3D scores were 70.9 ± 12.8; for more-affected limbs, marker-based scores were 71.0 ± 12.5 and Theia3D scores were 60.4 ± 13.7.
02GVI scores did not differ between systems or between less-affected and more-affected limbs.
03The largest kinematic differences between systems occurred in the more affected limbs of children with cerebral palsy, and foot progression angle had the highest difference in children with cerebral palsy.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTs
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What it does not show
The study included only 15 children with cerebral palsy and 24 typically developing children, and the paper states the small sample size as a limitation. The typically developing reference sample was limited, which may make it harder to detect subtle differences in GDI and GVI scores. The children with cerebral palsy were not divided into GMFCS levels, and the paper states the sample was inadequate for categorising them into different GMFCS levels. The paper states that over half had good mobility at GMFCS levels 1 to 2, and 53.3% had diplegia, so findings may not apply to children with more impaired mobility or hemiplegia. About 20% of participants used a wheel walker, which may have reduced observable gait variability differences. The Theia3D version used was v2023.1.0.3161 patch 4, and the paper notes that different versions can change calculated kinematics.
Declared interests
The authors disclose no financial or personal relationships with other people or organizations that could inappropriately influence this work.
The easy way to misread this
Do not conclude that a child's gait is worse when measured with Theia3D. The study found that Theia3D produced lower GDI scores than marker-based capture, so GDI scores from the two systems should not be compared directly.