Real-time motion tracking to boost movement in children's rehab
Evaluating the Feasibility, Usability, and Integration of the OptiTrack Motion Capture System in Inpatient Physical Therapy
This project will try a motion-capture game to encourage hospitalized children ages 6–17 to stand and move more during physical therapy.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 6 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Stanford University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Palo Alto, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT06924801 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This interventional feasibility effort pairs real-time motion tracking with an engaging gameplay interface called Snipperfingers to encourage standing and upper-body movement in pediatric inpatients. Participants are children aged 6–17 who receive physical therapy at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital and are medically cleared for standing activities and simple instruction-following. The study will observe whether the tool increases movement, is acceptable to clinicians and families, and can be delivered safely at the bedside. Findings will inform whether this approach can be scaled or refined for broader inpatient rehabilitation use.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Children 6–17 receiving physical therapy at Stanford Children's Hospital who are medically cleared to stand and move their upper body and can follow simple instructions with a consenting guardian present.
Not a fit: Children with orthopedic or medical contraindications to activity, active face or hand infections, major recent surgery, significant neurological or developmental disabilities, seizure disorders triggered by flashing lights, or severe motion sickness are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the tool could increase patient engagement and mobility during hospitalization, helping reduce deconditioning and improve functional recovery.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work using motion-capture and game-based (exergaming) approaches in pediatric and adult rehab has shown promising gains in engagement and some functional outcomes, though specific bedside real-time systems remain relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Pediatric patients aged 6-17 years. * Receiving physical therapy at Stanford Children's Hospital. * Medically cleared for standing and upper-body movement. * Ability to follow simple instructions and engage in standing gameplay Exclusion Criteria: * Orthopedic or medical conditions contraindicating physical activity. * Legal guardian not present to obtain consent * Child with a significant neurological condition or major developmental disability * Child with active infection of the face or hand * A history of severe motion sickness A history of seizures caused by flashing light Major surgery within the last 48 hours
Where this trial is running
Palo Alto, California
- Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford — Palo Alto, California, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Thomas Caruso, MD, PhD
- Email: tjcaruso@stanford.edu
- Phone: 6504970927
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.