(1) Background: Marker-based optical motion tracking is the gold standard in gait analysis; however, markerless solutions are rapidly emerging today. Algorithms like Openpose can track human movement from a video. Few studies have assessed the validity of this method. This study aimed to assess the reliability of Openpose in measuring the kinematics and spatiotemporal gait parameters. (2) Methods: This analysis used simultaneously recorded video and optoelectronic motion capture data. We assessed 20 subjects with different gait impairments (healthy, right hemiplegia, left hemiplegia, paraparesis). The two methods were compared using computing absolute errors (AEs), intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), and cross-correlation coefficients (CCs) for normalized gait cycle joint angles. (3) Results: The spatiotemporal parameters showed an ICC between good to excellent, and the absolute error was very small: cadence AE = 1.63 step/min, Mean Velocity AE = 0.16 m/s. The Range of Motion (ROM) showed a good to excellent agreement in the sagittal plane. Furthermore, the normalized gait cycle CCC values indicated moderate to strong coupling in the sagittal plane. (4) Conclusions: We found Openpose to be accurate for sagittal plane gait kinematics and for spatiotemporal gait parameters in the healthy and pathological subjects assessed.

Background: Gait assessment is a complex task involving locomotion and balance control across all body segments, requiring a global analysis in the event of motor disorders. Among these are spinal disorders, where an understanding of spinal kinematics during walking is important to improve treatment decisions and outcomes. The technique of stereophotogrammetric motion analysis is currently the gold standard in this context. A new integrated protocol for whole-body kinematic gait analysis is proposed in this study, which takes into account the movements of the spine. Methods: A new protocol with 30 passive markers was developed to analyze gait. Of these markers, 22 implemented the Davis protocol for gait measurement, while the other 8 were placed onto the spine to record spinal movements. The protocol’s accuracy was assessed through comparisons of the constructive angles of a manikin replicating the human body and the angles measured with the optoelectronic system. An assessment of intra- and inter-operator repeatability and protocol usability was carried out by recruiting and applying the protocol in a population composed of ten subjects (mean age 17.36—SD 10.12) without any history of spine pathology. Results: The protocol was validated successfully. The validation accuracy was more than satisfactory: the measured RMSE was 1.2 ± 1° for the data collected with the optoelectronic system with respect to the manikin. The intra-operator repeatability was also good in the sagittal and frontal planes (average ICC > 0.867), and the inter-operator repeatability was moderate or good in all planes (average ICC > 0.77). The usability score obtained using the System Usability Scale was satisfactory (mean 74.75, SD 5.88). Conclusions: This study proposes a new protocol to assess total body kinematics, including the spine in its three main segments, during gait. The successful validation of this protocol in terms of reliability and usability allows for its subsequent clinical application.

(1) Background: Upper limb (UL) function plays a central role in daily life, enabling essential tasks such as reaching, grasping, and eating. While numerous tools exist to evaluate UL kinematics, their application in pediatric populations is often limited by a lack of age-specific validation. This study presents a novel motion analysis protocol featuring a customized marker set, aimed at assessing UL movements in the three anatomical planes across different age groups, with a focus on pediatric applicability. (2) Materials and Methods: A SmartDX motion capture system was used, with 30 markers positioned on the upper body, referencing the trunk as the root of the kinematic chain. Ten healthy participants (mean age: 18.69 ± 12.45 years; range: 8.0–41.4) without UL impairments were recruited. The broad age range was intentionally selected to assess the protocol’s transversal applicability. (3) Results: Results showed excellent intra-operator reliability for shoulder and wrist kinematics (ICC > 0.906) and good reliability for elbow movements (ICC > 0.755). Inter-operator reliability was good to excellent (shoulder ICC > 0.958; elbow ICC > 0.762; wrist ICC > 0.826) Usability, measured via the System Usability Scale, was rated as good (83.25). (4) Conclusions: The proposed protocol demonstrated strong reliability and practical usability, supporting its adoption in clinical and research settings. Its design allows for adaptability across motion capture platforms, promoting wider implementation in pediatric UL functional assessment.

Children with neuromotor disorders often experience hand impairments that limit independence in daily tasks as well as the acquisition of new skills. Robotic aids like hand exoskeletons can improve function, but many designs fail to meet user needs, reducing adoption. This study collected parental feedback to guide the development of user-centered hand exoskeletons. An anonymous online survey was distributed to the parents of children with neurological disorders and previously treated at IRCCS E. Medea - Associazione "La Nostra Famiglia" in Bosisio Parini, Italy. Only parents of children with upper limb impairments were invited to answer. The survey explored their perceptions of hand exoskeletons, focusing on functional needs, user-friendliness, and training expectations. A total of forty-six surveys were completed, of which three were incomplete and therefore excluded. Of the forty-three considered, 76.3% expressed interest in a hand exoskeleton for their child, identifying dressing, hygiene, and eating as key activities to address. Key issues in the development of an exoskeleton for the parents were weight, comfort, associated aesthetics and trust. User feedback emphasizes the need for comfortable, lightweight designs with aesthetic appeal to reduce stigma. Parents prioritized functional benefits for daily activities over recreational use.

Background: Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common cause of disability in developmental age, affecting motor and postural skills. With growth, lower-limb orthopedic surgery often becomes necessary. Post-surgical walking rehabilitation programs generally involve conventional therapy with only limited evidence on the use of robot-assisted gait training (RAGT). The aim of the present pilot study is to assess the feasibility and the preliminary functional outcomes of an intensive 3-week rehabilitation of 15 sessions with Lokomat combined with 15 sessions of conventional physiotherapy. Methods: In total, 27 patients with diplegic cerebral palsy who underwent orthopedic surgery were recruited. Outcomes collected: the 6 min walking test (primary outcome), the Gross Motor Function Measure-88, the Gillette Functional Assessment Questionnaire, 3D gait analysis, and spasticity and force metrics of the lower limbs. Paired statistical tests were used to assess pre–post changes. Results: A pre–post statistically significant improvement was observed in gait endurance in the 6MWT (Δ = 28.56 ± 34.28 m; p < 0.001) and in gross motor functional skills. Gait parameters showed some functional and structural improvements, and joint stiffness was reduced in some measures. Conclusions: This combined rehabilitative approach seems to be promising in postoperative patients with CP. Future studies, involving a control group and larger sample size, are needed to generalize our results.