RehabHub, a home-based exergaming system using a common webcam and MediaPipe for real-time pose estimation, demonstrates feasibility of low-cost webcam-based assessment integrated into exergaming for upper-limb motor recovery, with the single-angle method providing the clearest distinction between normal and abnormal movements.
Key Findings
Results
The single-angle feature extraction method provided the clearest distinction between normal and abnormal movements among the three methods evaluated.
Three feature-extraction methods were compared in the pilot study
The single-angle method was particularly effective for abduction and elbow flexion movements
Score separation for shoulder flexion was less distinct using this method
Movements were simulated using a 5-kg resistance band to approximate abnormal movement conditions
Results
Shoulder flexion assessment showed less distinct score separation between normal and abnormal movements compared to abduction and elbow flexion.
Reduced score separation for shoulder flexion was attributed to movement variability and posture-related angle fluctuations
The authors indicate this suggests further refinement of feature design is needed
This was observed despite applying DTW together with a Z-score-based scoring model
FMA-UE (Fugl-Meyer Assessment Upper Extremity) guidelines were used as the basis for movement quantification
Methods
RehabHub uses Dynamic Time Warping (DTW) combined with a Z-score-based scoring model to quantify upper-limb movement quality.
The system specifically assesses abduction, shoulder flexion, and elbow flexion
Assessment is based on FMA-UE (Fugl-Meyer Assessment Upper Extremity) guidelines
The Z-score-based scoring model relies on data from non-clinical adult participants
MediaPipe is used for real-time pose estimation via a common webcam
Results
The RehabHub system integrates a cloud-based platform that supports remote monitoring for caregivers.
The platform gives caregivers access to both performance scores and recorded exercise videos
The system is designed for home-based use requiring only a common webcam
The approach is characterized as low-cost
The system supports exergaming combined with standardized physical assessment directly in gameplay
Methods
A pilot study evaluated the feasibility of webcam-based movement assessment by simulating abnormal movements with a resistance band.
A 5-kg resistance band was used to simulate movements approximating abnormal movement conditions
Three feature-extraction methods were evaluated in the pilot study
The study included non-clinical adult participants for reference data collection
The results demonstrate 'the feasibility of a low-cost webcam-based assessment integrated into exergaming'
Labchurat N, Sookhanaphibarn K, Choensawat W, Paliyawan P. (2026). Webcam-Based Exergame for Motor Recovery with Physical Assessment via DTW.. Sensors (Basel, Switzerland). https://doi.org/10.3390/s26041219