What you need to know
Xbox Kinect
The Microsoft Xbox Kinect is a motion sensing input device designed for use with the Xbox 360 and the newer Xbox One. It features an RGB camera, depth sensor and multi-array microphone that allow it capture full-body motion in 3D, as well as recognise the voices and faces of its user. It has the ability to analyse the motion of up to 2 people at once, but will detect as many other people as will fit in its display area. However, it may only work in ambient light.
The Kinect was upgraded for the release of the Xbox One and now features three times the fidelity compared to the original and can now track people in the absence of light.
The full body motion capture was made the focal point of a variety of Kinect only games, in which use movements and gestures would control the actions of characters or events in the game.
Evidence
Intended Patient Population
Created primarily as a video game peripheral and general entertainment tool for use with the Xbox's other media applications, the Kinect was never intended for use in therapy. However, therapists were quick to realise the therapeutic potential of relatively cheap motion tracking technology, and began trialling it with neurological populations. Evidence exists for the following populations:
-
Stroke
-
Multiple Sclerosis
-
Parkinson's Disease
-
Cerebral Palsy
Stroke
Kim et al., 2018
RCT PEDro: 8/10
Technology: Xbox Kinect + proprietary games created for the study: “Push Museum,” “Apple Run,” and “Fruit Market.”
Deficits Targeted: Upper limb function
Cannell et al., 2018
RCT PEDro: 8/10
Technology: Jintronix Rehabilitation System™ (utilises Kinect camera)
Deficits Targeted: Static/dynamic balance, upper limb function, gait
Lee, Huang, Ho, Sung., 2017
RCT PEDro (unable to grade)
Technology: Xbox Kinect (games could not be determined)
Deficits Targeted: Static and dynamic balance
Türkbey, Kutley, & Gök., 2017
RCT PEDro 7/10
Technology: Xbox Kinect + Bowling from the Kinect Sports package and Mouse Mayhem from the Dr Kawashima’s Body and Brain Exercises
Deficits Targeted: Upper limb function
Park, Lee, Lee & Lee., 2017
RCT PEDro 6/10
Technology: Xbox Kinect + boxing, table tennis, and soccer from the Kinect Sports Pack. Golf, ski, and football from the Kinect Sports Pack 2
Deficits Targeted: Motor function (including static/dynamic balance, gait and upper limb function)
Park & Song., 2015
RCT PEDro: 3/10
Technology: Xbox Kinect + 10-pin bowling, skiing, and golf. Programs such as ground walking, walking over obstacles, and climbing stairs
Deficits Targeted: Static/dynamic balance and gait
Additional virtual reality training using Xbox Kinect in stroke survivors with hemiplegia.
Lee & Sin., 2013
RCT PEDro 6/10
Technology: Xbox Kinect + boxing and bowling in the Kinect sports pack. Rally Ball, 20,000 Leaks, and Space Pop in the Kinect adventure pack
Deficits Targeted: Upper limb function
Multiple Sclerosis
Lozano-Quilis et al., 2014
RCT PEDro 5/10
Technology: RemoviEM (Kinect based) + TouchBall, TakeBall, and StepBall games
Deficits Targeted: Dynamic balance and gait
Ortiz-Gutierrez et al., 2013
RCT PEDro 5/10
Technology: Xbox Kinect + Kinect Sports, Kinect Joy Ride, and Kinect Adventures
Deficits Targeted: Postural control
Parkinson's Disease
De Melo et al., 2018
RCT PEDro 6/10
Technology: Xbox Kinect + Fitness Evolved 2012: Run the World
Deficits Targeted: Gait variables and endurance
Dantas et al. 2018
RCT, PEDro: (abstract only, unable to grade)
Technology: Xbox Kinect, games could not be determined
Deficits Targeted: "Performance" no other deficits could be determined
Pompeu et al., 2016
RCT, PEDro: (abstract only, unable to grade)
Technology: Xbox Kinect + Kinect Adventures
Deficits Targeted: Postural control and cognition
Cerebral Palsy
Pourazar, Mirakhori, Hemayattalab & Bagherzadeh., 2018
RCT PEDro: 8/10
Technology: Xbox Kinect + bowling and gold games
Deficits Targeted: Reaction time of upper limb
Lazzari et al., 2017
RCT PEDro: 8/10
Technology: Xbox Kinect + gait game
Deficits Targeted: Static and dynamic balance
Mitchell, Ziviani, & Boyd., 2016
RCT PEDro: 7/10
Technology: Mitii (PC application using Kinect)
Deficits Targeted: Funtional strength and gait endurance
Zoccolillo et al., 2015
RCT PEDro: 4/10 (as rated here)
Technology: Xbox Kinect according to this SR, unable to verify
Deficits Targeted: Upper limb function
Interested?
Both iterations of the Kinect have been discontinued by Microsoft, so may be difficult to find in retail stores. Second hand retailers for electronics and video game equipment such as ebay.com are a good place to find both new and second hand Kinect models, where they retail for anywhere between $17-70 AUD depending on condition and accompanying items.
If you wish to use the Kinect with an Xbox console, be prepared to pay:
-
$100-400 AUD for an Xbox 360 depending on condition and rarity
-
$400-800 AUD for an Xbox One console depending on rarity
