Kinetisense Newsletter

Version 15 , January 2023

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Application FAQ IT advice Customer Profile Research

Assessing the Functional Ability of Older Adults Using Kinetisense

Kinetisense offers over 48 different range of motion (ROM) assessments, along with a state of the art functional movement module. The accuracy and efficiency of the Kinetisense system allows practitioners to easily assess older adults and those in senior living communities.

ROM assessments provide further insight into an older adult’s functional capacity to perform activities of daily living (ADL). They also assist senior living clinicians in the intervention and treatment of chronic pain and injuries.

The functional module provides unlimited options for assessing older adults. This module allows practitioners to analyze a variety of movement patterns, including those that may be of special importance to older adults (i.e. a golf swing). Movement is captured in real-time and across all three planes of movement (frontal, sagittal, and transverse). Video playback and capture features are also available.

Creating a custom workflow takes seconds to create and only a few minutes to perform. Custom workflows provide extremely valuable data that is recorded and saved as one assessment. The video playback feature allows the practitioner to review biomechanical data after the assessment has been completed. Improvement or regression over the course of a treatment plan can be tracked with trend data the system provides. With automatic reporting, data can be shared with patients, family members, and other members of the care team (i.e. physiotherapists and occupational therapists).

Workflow examples

Reaching Workflow

Reaching movements occur when performing ADL’s such as food preparation, cleaning, bathing, etc.

Shoulder flexion, extension, internal rotation, external rotation, abduction, adduction
Hip flexion, extension, abduction, adduction
Gait ROF
5xSTS
mCTSIB

Workflow for high-functioning older adults

Shoulder flexion,extension, internal rotation, external rotation, abduction, adduction
Hip flexion, extension, abduction, adduction
Functional module
5xSTS
Reverse Lunge

Setting Up Kinetisense for the First Time

Environment

Understanding the basic principles of LIDAR technology will assist you when setting up the system. To ensure accurate three-dimensional scanning, the reflection of the pulsing laser light must not be obstructed. Direct sunlight, bright windows, and reflective surfaces such as mirrors should be avoided. A bare wall provides an ideal background for conducting assessments.

Given that the floor can also act as a reflective surface, it is recommended that users place a yoga mat on the ground. Additionally, any large pieces of equipment or furniture that could obstruct certain landmarks on the body should be moved away. For optimal performance, it is recommended that the sensor is placed in an open room with minimal background traffic.

Clothing

Kinetisense clothing requirements are relatively straightforward and apply to everyone who may use the system. Tight, contrasting clothing with respect to the walls and floor is recommended, as is the removal of hats, glasses, and hair ties. This allows for the appropriate exposure of landmarks such as the eyes and ears. For the posture module, it is advised that shoes and socks be removed.

Sensor Placement

For both the iPad and desktop versions of Kinetisense, the sensor height does not change. It is recommended that the sensor be placed 3-4 feet off the ground. In order to use the Kinetisense 360 desktop version effectively, at least 10 feet of distance between the sensor and the participant being assessed is required. For the Kinetisense 360 iPad version, at least 6 feet is required. For the Kinetisense diamond package on both the desktop and iPad, at least 17 feet is required.

Background Traffic

The system is designed to lock on to the person closest to the sensor. This allows for passive range of motion assessments to be performed. It also allows practitioners to assist patients during balance assessments.

To ensure optimal performance, a clean background is recommended. High amounts of background traffic can cause the sensor to jump. This can affect assessment accuracy.

Further information regarding the Kinetisense system is available in the user manual and iPad starter kit. These documents can be found on the Vault. Kinetisense users can access the Vault by entering the username and password they have been provided.

The Importance of Windows Updates

(Originally published by Two River Computer)

1. Protect Your System From Malicious Software

Security issues are regularly identified in various parts of the Windows operating system, including ActiveX, Internet Explorer, .NET Framework, or the main platform. Even if you do not run the respective software, it is a risk not to patch it, simply because it is installed on your system. Note that these updates are required, even if you are running anti-malware or anti-virus software, as that software may not sufficiently protect you from Windows security issues.

Potential consequences of not installing security updates are damaged software, loss of data, or identity theft. Every year, malware causes damage of millions of dollars worldwide. The main reason is that users don’t install critical software or Windows updates, allowing malware to exploit loopholes that have long been patched. Vulnerabilities can potentially be exploited within hours of them becoming publicly known. So once a security update is available, you should immediately install the fix to protect your system from malware attacks.

2. Resolve General Windows Issues and Bugs

The second type of update addresses more general bugs and issues of the Windows operating system. These updates typically contain several fixes in one go. While these non critical errors are not responsible for security-relevant vulnerabilities, they may still be very annoying as they potentially impact the performance and stability of Windows. So the main reason for installing general updates is to avoid or resolve Windows issues and hopefully have a smooth and pleasant Windows user experience.

3. Access New Windows & Software Features

Finally, Windows updates often introduce new features, while also fixing some known issues. A good example is Internet Explorer. Even if you don’t plan on using the respective software, you should still run these updates, considering they often come with significant improvements and you may end up being forced to use the software after all. Moreover, Microsoft will eventually cease support for outdated software, e.g. old versions of Internet Explorer. This means that if new vulnerabilities are discovered, they will not be patched, as users are expected to run the latest version of the program.
It is critical to install Windows security updates to protect your computer from malicious attacks. In the long run, it is also important to install software updates, not only to access new features, but also to be on the safe side in terms of security loop holes being discovered in outdated programs. And it is in your own best interest to install all other updates, which may potentially cause your system to be buggy.
I recommend to download Windows updates automatically, but choose whether and when to install them. Do, however, make an effort to install them as soon as possible. Rebooting really isn’t that bad!

References

https://ecmanagedit.com/importance-windows-updates/

Understanding Symbria’s Use of the Kinetisense Functional Module in Senior Living Communities

Symbria, a national senior care service provider, has incorporated Kinetisense into their Well-Being program, enhancing fitness training to provide the best services to their clients. Initially, Kinetisense was used for balance and fall risk screenings, but it was quickly determined that there were more ways it could be used in senior living communities.

Most recently, Symbria’s staff has started using the Functional Screening Test to identify appropriate training protocols for different sporting activities that their client communities’ residents want to continue to participate in. From sports like golf and pickleball, to activities like hiking or gardening, Symbria’s biomechanics experts have developed standardized protocols their staff can utilize to keep their participants functionally fit so they can continue to participate in sports and/or hobbies as they age.

Kinetisense allows Symbria’a staff to identify areas of deficit in a resident’s body position and key movements such as a golf swing. Symbria’s Well-Being staff can then take that information and develop a customized training program for each individual, based on their weaknesses and overall fitness goals. The feedback from residents has been positive and they have noticed significant improvements in their overall stamina and ability to participate in the sport of their choice.

Exploring How Kinetisense Can Benefit Athletes

As a trainer or practitioner, accurately analyzing and understanding athletes’ movement patterns is essential for effectively treating and training them. Kinetisense’s functional module has the ability to analyze a wide range of sport-specific movements, including a vertical leap, squat, throw, baseball swing, golf swing, and more. The system shows movement in all three planes (frontal, sagittal, and transverse) in real-time, providing a comprehensive view of each phase of the swing, throw, shot, etc.

The visual biofeedback this module provides allows athletes to observe their movements and make immediate biomechanical adjustments that can reduce their risk of injury and/or lead to enhanced performance (1). The use of biofeedback also helps to promote problem solving and intrinsic learning (1).

In summary, Kinetisense’s functional module is a game-changer for trainers and practitioners. With its real-time analysis, advanced reporting, and interactive features, it’s the perfect tool for optimizing treatment and training outcomes.