MediaPipe-Based Activity Analysis by Healthcare Professionals: Method Development and Technology Acceptance—A Pilot Study

Abstract

Highlights What are the main findings? Healthcare professionals have designed a MediaPipe-based motion analysis method focusing on clinically relevant movements. This method enables a simple analysis of gait and eating tasks using single-camera frontal-plane videos that capture key kinematic features from a limited set of variables. What are the implications of the main findings? This approach demonstrates the potential for low-cost and potentially applicable motion analyses in clinical and daily settings. Effective implementation requires usability improvements and supportive frameworks, including professional training and organizational support. Abstract Integrating digital assessment technologies into clinical practice remains a challenge because of usability issues, time constraints, and difficulties in data interpretation. This study aimed to examine the feasibility of a clinically practical MediaPipe-based motion analysis method and to evaluate its technological acceptance by healthcare professionals. We tested an analysis method using single-camera frontal-plane videos of gait, eating, and table-slide tasks to quantify movement under both normal and simulated impairment conditions. To evaluate the clinical utility, a questionnaire based on the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology 2 (UTAUT2) was administered to physical therapists, occupational therapists, and nurses. The results provide preliminary evidence of the feasibility and technology acceptance of MediaPipe for activity analysis by healthcare professionals, even with a limited set of variables. Participants generally showed positive attitudes toward its clinical usefulness; however, challenges related to its usability were identified. These findings also suggest that specialized personnel capable of handling digital technologies may play an important role in facilitating their implementation. With further advances in digital technology, activity assessments are expected to extend beyond clinical settings to everyday environments. To achieve this, not only technological improvements, such as enhanced reliability, validity, and usability, but also comprehensive frameworks incorporating education and organizational support are important.