Comparison of the OpenPose system and the reference optoelectronic system for gait analysis of lower-limb angular parameters in children - 15/11/24

Doi : 10.1016/j.otsr.2024.104044

Roxane Henry ^a,^c, Sébastien Cordillet ^b, Hélène Rauscent ^b, Isabelle Bonan ^b, Arnaud Huaulmé ^c, Sylvette Marleix ^a, Pierre Jannin ^c, Tiphaine Casy ^c, Philippe Violas ^a,⁎
^a Service de chirurgie pédiatrique, CHU Rennes, hôpital Sud, 16 Boulevard de Bulgarie, 35200 Rennes, France
^b Unité clinique d’analyse du mouvement, service de médecine physique et réadaptation, CHU Rennes- Pontchaillou, 2 Rue Henri Le Guilloux, 35000 Rennes, France
^c Laboratoire du traitement du signal et de l'image – UMR 1099, Inserm, Université de Rennes, Campus Beaulieu, Bâtiment 22, 263 Avenue du Général Leclerc, 35000 Rennes, France

^⁎Corresponding author.

Sous presse. Épreuves corrigées par l'auteur. Disponible en ligne depuis le Friday 15 November 2024

Abstract

Introduction

Quantitative Gait Analysis (QGA) is the gold-standard for detailed study of lower-limb movement, angles and forces, especially in pediatrics, providing a decision aid for treatment and for assessment of results.

However, widespread use of QGA is hindered by the need for specific equipment and trained personnel and high costs. Recently, the OpenPose system used algorithms for 2D video movement analysis, to determine joint points and angles without any supplementary equipment or great expertise. The present study therefore aimed to validate application of OpenPose for gait analysis in children with locomotor pathology, thereby circumventing the limitations of QGA.

Hypothesis

The OpenPose system is as precise as QGA for measuring lower-limb angles in gait in children.

Materials and methods

Gait analysis was studied prospectively, between January and July 2023, in 20 children: 13 boys, 7 girls; mean age, 13 years. There was no selection for pathology or use of walking aids. QGA was performed, measuring joint angles in the hips, knees and ankles. The same measurements were then made using the points obtained on OpenPose. The Mann-Whitney test was used to compare the two methods.

Results

There were only slight differences in angle measurements (in degrees) for the knees: right, 0.54 [−0.61; 1.71], p = 0.361; left, −1.09 [−2.16; 0.01], p = 0.051. Differences were greater for the hips (right, 9.32 [8.28; 10.35]; left, 7.54 [6.55; 8.54], p < 0.01) and ankles (right, −6.67 [−7.22; −6.12]; left, −7.07 [−7.60; −6.54], p < 0.01).

Discussion

OpenPose provided angle values close to those of QGA for the knees in the sagittal plane, independently of pathology and walking aid. In the hips and ankles, on the other hand, differences were too great to allow clinical application of OpenPose.