The Right to Walk – Enhancing Lives with Qualisys Motion Capture Technology

Walking, a seemingly simple act for most of us, involves an intricate interplay of various bodily systems and functions. However, the smallest disruption in any of these functions, whether due to accidents, illnesses, or disabilities, can result in mobility challenges.

In 2021, the European Commission adopted the Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, emphasizing their right to participate fully in society and the economy.

Despite decades of scientific research, there are many puzzle pieces missing to reach a full understanding of the biomechanics and neurology involved in human movement.

WHERE INNOVATION MEETS REHABILITATION

For over 30 years, Qualisys motion capture technology has been a pillar of support for the clinical community in research and diagnostics. The rapid advancements in this technology have opened up new avenues in the realms of treatment, rehabilitation, and injury prevention.

Located in Lyon, France, the Centre des Massues is a leading rehabilitation center for patients with musculoskeletal conditions. A key part of its clinical work is the Qualisys motion capture system, used daily to support treatment, rehabilitation, and injury prevention. The medical team in Lyon is determined to make the most of motion capture. In their immersive laboratory, the patient moves in a virtual environment, mimicking real life situations. This system provides the tools to design life-like research environments to collect the most impactful biomechanical data possible.

At La Croix Rouge Francaise Centre des Massues, Hovannes Agopyan, Ph.D., leads work in an immersive lab where patients move through virtual environments that replicate real-life scenarios, generating valuable biomechanical data.

“Working with gait labs is really important when it comes to analyzing movement and detecting impairments”, says Hovannes.

Dr. Emmanuelle Chaleat-Valayer, a Medical Doctor with a Ph.D. at La Croix Rouge Francaise Centre des Massues, emphasizes the ultimate goal of their treatments and care – to enhance social participation through improved mobility. “Mobility is one of the levers, not the only one, but one of them, to promote social participation,” she says, underscoring the significance of their work.

According to Nicolas Long of Trinoma, the system combines established methods with rigorous validation standards, ensuring reliable results. Close collaboration with gait labs is key to identifying movement impairments, supported by responsive partnerships with Qualisys and Trinoma.

“I think we must now integrate these tools into prevention, using such technologies in preventive care”, says Dr. Emmanuelle Chaleat-Valayer.  “We advocate for regular musculoskeletal check-ups to support long-term health.”