Moving and Doing: The Use of Vicon ® Motion Capture as a Convergent Measure of Change in the Functional Performance of Children with Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

Background

This study investigates the use of Vicon^® motion capture as a convergent measure of goal attainment in children with cerebral palsy (CP) undergoing Contemporary Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT).

Objectives

Using Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS) as the primary outcome measure, the study examines how motion capture data can quantify biomechanical changes related to individualized therapy goals.

Methods

This descriptive study used data from eight children aged 2–15 years with varying classifications of CP. The intervention group underwent six days of intensive NDT, while the control group participated in structured activities before crossing over to receive NDT. Vicon motion capture quantified kinematic parameters for each participant's goals, providing objective data to complement GAS outcomes.

Assessment

Results demonstrated that motion capture could effectively identify and measure functional changes, aligning with GAS goals. Of the eight subjects, six children had GAS scores indicating progress toward or beyond their targeted goals

Conclusion

These findings highlight the potential of motion capture to enhance the precision of functional performance assessments in pediatric rehabilitation and inform the refinement of goal-setting practices. Despite technical challenges and the need for advanced expertise, motion capture offers a valuable tool for capturing individualized therapy outcomes and advancing evidence-based practices in CP interventions.