Avatar and motion-capture technology predict the development of paralysis

Motion capture suits used in film production and computer game development

to create virtual characters, usedfor the diagnosis of genetic diseases associated with movement disorders. In two studies published in the journal Nature Medicine, scientists showed the effectiveness of the technology in diagnosing the development of Friedreich's ataxia and Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

These are rare degenerative geneticdiseases that affect mobility and eventually lead to paralysis. Tracking the severity and progression of such diseases typically involves in-clinic measurement of the speed and accuracy with which patients perform a set of standardized movements. This evaluation, which is necessary to determine what support and treatment a patient needs, can take years.

The study showed that with the help of AI andmotion capture technology, such diagnostics can be carried out several times more accurately and faster. In both studies, all sensor data was collected by devices and processed by AI to create customized avatars and analyze movements.

Digital patterns collected by AI for the diagnosis of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Image: Valeria Ricotti et al., Nature Medicine

Based on collected data using AIThe researchers identified key movement patterns seen in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy as well as in adults with Friedreich's ataxia that differed from controls. Many of these movement patterns identified by IS have not been previously described clinically in either DMD or FA due to the lack of sensitivity of traditional observations.

The scientists also found that the new methodsignificantly improves the prognosis of how the disease will develop in individual patients within six months. Such an accurate prediction will improve clinical trials of new drugs and treatments, as well as more accurately select individual drug dosages.

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