Criterium validity of the Kinect Balance Test

The numbers of elderly people are ever increasing, combined with the fact that
elderly are more prone to fall, there is a need for a functional protocol that
can help estimate the risk of falling in the elderly population. Previously,
validity studies have been carried out, multiple elements of several balance
tests have been used to compare the Kinect-V2 to the Vicon system, which is the
current golden standard. Results from these studies show that Kinect-V2 could
be used to screen balance. The movement of the centre of mass, measured by the
Kinect, is an objective quantitative measurement used to qualify body sway.
Body sway is used as a clinical measure to quantify balance and the risk of
falling. In previous studies an increased body sway has been associated with an
increased risk of falling. The Kinect camera provides interesting abilities
that can be used to objectively depict balance and the risk of falling in a
clinical setting. The population investigated in previous studies were healthy
adults, without any balance restrictions. However, the recommendation would be
to test the Kinect-V2 with individuals suffering from balance restrictions, due
to the fact that these people are likely to have different movement patterns.
The target group, elderly people suffering from balance restrictions, has not
yet been investigated using the Kinect-V2.

Aim: Determine whether Kinect-V2 is an accurate measurement tool for mapping
the movement of the centre of mass in the target group of elderly above the age
of 65.

The movement of the centre of mass is an important clinical measure for
balance. The movement of the centre of mass is an objective quantitative
measurement used to qualify body sway18,19. In previous studies an increased
body sway has been associated with an increased risk of falling 20,21,22.

In the literature Vicon is considered the golden standard for measuring the
movement of the centre of mass using optical movement analysis systems.
However, Vicon is very costly, which prevents its use in the daily practice. If
Kinect-V2 proves to be a less expensive, yet valid alternative, a new
measurement tool will be available for the movement of the centre of mass that
is easy to transport and available to a large group of (professional) users.

Primary objective
Can Kinect-V2 be considered a valid measurement tool for mapping the movement
of the centre of mass in elderly above the age of 65.

This in a validity study, which will research the criteria validity of the
measured movement in the centre of mass comparing the Kinect-V2 to the current
golden standard, the Vicon system.

All participants will be given a certain time and date at which the test
procedure will be completed under supervision and instruction of the
researchers. Every participant will complete the procedure once, on a day in
March, April or May, and it will take approximately 20 minutes.

The burden and risks are minimal, seeing only health elderly will be tested.
The test will only have to be taken once, will only take 20 minutes and
consists of relatively easy balance tests.

The subjects will have no direct benefit from participating in the research.
However, they will also have no disadvantages. Risks are negligible.