To decide the best treatment option for each patient in rehabilitation, insight into movement patterns is needed, as well as change over time with recovery, disease progression or treatment interventions. RRD’s fully equipped 3D movement analysis lab offers expertise on the collection, analysis and interpretation of movement data within a clinically meaningful context. Detailed information on muscle activity (EMG), and kinematic and kinetic aspects of movement is collected routinely from patients with movement disorders, such as stroke, spinal cord injury or cerebral paresis. This data is used clinically to inform treatment decisions, for instance for soft-tissue surgery to solve chronic problems in mobility or arm/hand function. We apply the same movement analysis techniques in research projects to contribute to development and evaluation of treatment interventions.

Adding wearable sensor technologies, such as inertial measurement units (IMUs), enables us to measure patients outside of the lab environment, to capture real-world situations in which people are affected by their movement limitations. By collecting detailed movement data from able-bodied people and people with movement limitations in their everyday environment, we gain further insight into mechanisms of movement and recovery. By developing and applying robust methods for various sensor technologies (e.g., motion capturing, inertial measurement units, markerless video), we make measurement methods for 3D movement analysis accessible and available for diagnosis, treatment and monitoring in the lab, as well as in clinical settings and at home. In this way, RRD strives to inform effective (technology-supported) interventions with a thorough understanding of movement limitations and how this affects everyday life of patients.