Comparative evaluation of monocular deep learning pose estimation and IMU-based systems for remote kinematic assessment

Abstract

Remote assessment of human motion is increasingly pivotal in clinical, sports, and rehabilitation contexts, particularly given the rise of telemedicine. While traditional motion capture systems deliver high-precision data, their dependence on expensive equipment and controlled laboratory conditions limits their broader application. Advances in computer vision have enabled the development of monocular video-based 3D human pose estimation methods, which leverage ubiquitous camera technologies to offer cost-effective and accessible kinematic analysis. This study systematically benchmarks joint angles derived from both video-based models and IMUs, addressing the gap in comparative evaluations under realistic, out-of-the-lab conditions