Using Object Tracking Techniques to Non-Invasively Measure Thoracic Rotation Range of Motion

Different measuring instruments, such as a goniometer, have been used by clinicians to measure a patient's ability to rotate their thoracic spine. Despite the simplicity of goniometers, this instrument requires the user to decipher the resulting measurement properly. The correctness of these measurements are imperative for clinicians to properly identify and evaluate injuries or help athletes enhance their overall performance. This paper introduces a goniometer-free, noninvasive measuring technique using a Raspberry Pi, a Pi Camera module, and software for clinicians to measure a subject's thoracic rotation range of motion (ROM) when administering the seated rotation technique with immediate measurement feedback. Determining this measurement is achieved by applying computer vision object tracking techniques on a live video feed from the Pi Camera that is secured on the ceiling above the subject. Preliminary results using rudimentary techniques reveal that our system is very accurate in static environments.