Lightning Oral Presentation Australian and New Zealand Stroke Organisation Conference 2026

Clinician and stroke survivor perspectives on low-cost motion capture assessment of upper limb function: a mixed methods study (139221)

Jarrad Fisher 1 2 , Alexandra Hurden 1 , Natasha Lannin 3 4 , Craig Anderson 1 5 6 , Xiaoying Chen 1
  1. Brain Health Program, The George Institute for Global Health, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
  2. Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
  3. Department of Neuroscience, Brain Recovery and Rehabilitation Group, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
  4. Allied Health, Bayside Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
  5. Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-inspired Intelligence,, Fudan University, Yangpu District, Shanghai, China
  6. Neurology Department, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia

Background/Aims
Upper limb impairment after stroke is common and requires accurate assessment to guide rehabilitation. Current assessments are limited by subjectivity, reduced sensitivity, and a focus on impairment rather than functional movement quality. Low-cost motion capture (MoCap) may provide a more objective approach. However, integration requires understanding clinician and stroke survivor perspectives. This study explored perceived benefits, barriers, and facilitators to MoCap use for upper limb assessment after stroke.

Methods
A convergent mixed methods design was used. Fourteen clinicians and eleven stroke survivors participated. Quantitative data were collected using online REDCap surveys. Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews and focus groups and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke. Findings were integrated during interpretation.

Results
Five themes were identified. Current assessment practices were described as fragmented and limited in capturing meaningful movement. MoCap was valued for its ability to provide objective measurement, visualise movement, and enhance engagement, with high agreement among clinicians (100%) and survivors (92%). However, implementation was influenced by workflow constraints, time, training, and organisational factors. Remote use was viewed as promising, with strong support for telehealth (86% clinicians, 83% survivors), but dependent on patient capability, technology access, and data governance. Participants highlighted need for systems that integrate assessment with rehabilitation and provide clinically meaningful outputs, with survivors reporting high interest in video feedback and progress tracking (92%).

Conclusion
MoCap was perceived as a valuable tool for enhancing upper limb assessment after stroke. Successful implementation depends on alignment with clinical workflows, resources, and clinically useful outputs.