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Patient-Perceived feasibility of implementing OpenCap smartphone-based motion capture technology to remotely assess musculoskeletal movement in individuals with orthopedic disorders presenting to a rural midwestern tertiary center
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Patient-Perceived feasibility of implementing OpenCap smartphone-based motion capture technology to remotely assess musculoskeletal movement in individuals with orthopedic disorders presenting to a rural midwestern tertiary center

Holly D. Aitken, Joshua B. Holt, Robert W. Westermann, Jacob M. Elkins, Dallas A. Vanorny, Justin T. Crawmer, Eli S. Gregory, Silvana Velasquez-Marin Mohr, Cole M. Rich and Jessica E. Goetz
Frontiers in digital health, Vol.8, 1870758
07/23/2026
DOI: 10.3389/fdgth.2026.1870758
PMCID: PMC13442442
PMID: 42564171
url
https://doi.org/10.3389/fdgth.2026.1870758View
Published (Version of record) Open Access

Abstract

Background: OpenCap, an open-source research platform for estimating 3D joint kinematics from videos captured with two iOS devices, has the potential to enable remote rehabilitation tracking and reduce travel burden associated with in-person orthopedic evaluation. However, it is unknown whether orthopedic patients have adequate iOS technological access required for OpenCap data collection, particularly in rural or resource-limited settings in which getting to clinic for rehabilitation management is most difficult. This study sought to evaluate orthopedic patient access to the necessary technology and perceived comfort level with performing an OpenCap data collection. Methods: Three orthopedic patient cohorts were prospectively enrolled: (1) 200 pediatric patients (and their caregivers), (2) 200 adult sports medicine patients, and (3) 200 adult joint arthroplasty patients. Participants completed a REDCap questionnaire regarding their access to a computer, internet, and iOS devices, and their perceived comfort level performing a remote musculoskeletal biomechanics assessment. Results: Of the orthopedic patients enrolled, 65.5-83.5% indicated access to the necessary technology resources for an OpenCap data collection, and geographic residential location did not significantly affect technological access. 71.7%-95.8% of patients indicated that they were "definitely" or "probably" comfortable performing activities needed for an OpenCap data collection, and 68.3%-82.3% of patients felt that the OpenCap technology would "definitely" or "probably" reduce their travel burden associated with in-person clinical assessment. Conclusions: While both kinematic and implementation validation in specific orthopedic patient populations is still required, these findings suggest the perceived feasibility of using OpenCap for future remote musculoskeletal biomechanics assessment among orthopedic patients, including those in predominantly rural settings.
 OpenCap motion capture orthopedics remote evaluation technological access

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