Everyday Tests with MAI Motion: Sit-to-Stand & Squat – Revolutionizing Knee Care with Markerless Motion Analysis

Introduction: The Importance of Smarter Knee Assessment

Our knees power almost every move we make—from climbing stairs and walking to simply rising from a chair. Keeping them healthy is essential for daily life. But in busy clinics, assessing knee function can be challenging. That's why simple tests like the sit-to-stand and squat have become staples: they’re quick, practical ways to see how well our knees are working.

Now, new technology is making these tests even more effective. Meet MAI Motion —a markerless motion analysis system that tracks movement with just a camera, no need for wires or sticky markers. In this post, we’ll dive into how MAI Motion takes everyday knee tests to a whole new level, why the sit-to-stand and squat are so valuable, and what this all means for patients and clinicians.

MAI Motion: Making Movement Analysis Easier for Everyone

In the past, getting precise movement data required attaching sensors or reflective markers to your body—a process that’s often awkward, time-consuming, and uncomfortable. MAI Motion removes these barriers with markerless technology. Using standard video, it analyzes how you move without the hassle of attaching anything to your skin or clothing. This approach makes movement analysis fast, comfortable, and practical for real-world clinics.

Two tests that especially benefit from this technology are the sit-to-stand and squat. These classic movements are easy to perform, can be done almost anywhere, and provide valuable clues about the health and function of your knees. MAI Motion records important details, such as range of motion (how far your knee bends and straightens) and movement smoothness (how fluid and controlled your movement is). With these metrics, clinicians get a much richer understanding of knee function than from simply timing how fast you complete the test.

Sit-to-Stand vs. Squat: What Do These Tests Reveal?

The sit-to-stand test measures your ability to rise from a seated position—a task we do dozens of times a day. It requires strength, balance, and coordination, making it a great indicator of lower-body function and independence. The squat, on the other hand, challenges your knees and hips as you lower and raise your body under control. It emphasizes flexibility, stability, and power in a slightly different way.

Both tests are valuable, but they highlight different aspects of knee health. Sit-to-stand shows how efficiently you can transfer your weight and move between postures, while squatting focuses on your knees’ ability to handle bending and support your body during movement.

Research suggests that just three sit-to-stand repetitions can provide as much useful information as five, saving time and reducing strain—especially helpful for older adults or people recovering from injury. Even small differences, such as a variation of up to 10 degrees in knee range of motion, can be critical for tracking progress or identifying gait issues over time.

Key Metrics: What MAI Motion Measures

MAI Motion collects two key pieces of data during these tests:

• Range of motion: How much the knee joint moves throughout the activity. Limited movement can signal stiffness, joint wear, or other issues.
• Movement smoothness: The steadiness and fluidity of the motion. If movements appear jerky or uneven, it might indicate pain, muscle weakness, or compensation patterns.

By going beyond basic timing, MAI Motion highlights subtle problems that could otherwise be missed. For instance, someone could complete a sit-to-stand quickly, but with awkward or shaky movement—important clues for clinicians developing their treatment plans. This deeper level of analysis means rehab can be more personalized and meaningful.

Why This Matters: Real Benefits for Patients and Clinicians

Adopting MAI Motion offers several practical benefits. The streamlined three-repetition sit-to-stand, made possible by this technology, keeps testing quick and less tiring—perfect for busy clinics and diverse patient populations. With markerless analysis, clinics don’t need expensive equipment or extra space, making it easier to bring cutting-edge care to more people.

Best of all, the data produced is richer and more relevant. Clinicians can tailor rehabilitation and track small changes in mobility over time, not just speed or strength. The process is more comfortable for patients, too, since there are no cables, sensors, or sticky markers involved.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Knee Assessment

With systems like MAI Motion, the future of knee care looks smarter, simpler, and more precise. By combining time-tested functional movements—like the sit-to-stand and squat—with advanced, markerless technology, clinicians gain a powerful toolkit for understanding knee health in real-life settings.

As these technologies continue to improve, expect even quicker, more comfortable, and more accurate assessments that put patient needs first. Embracing innovations like MAI Motion will help make knee care more personalized, effective, and accessible for everyone—getting people back to moving well and living life to the fullest.