MAI Motion in Knee Osteoarthritis and Meniscus Tears: Comparing Causes, Benefits, and Practical Use

Introduction

Knee pain affects more people each year as our lifestyles become more active and our population ages. Among the most common sources of discomfort are knee osteoarthritis and meniscus tears —two conditions that are often confused but require different approaches to care. Osteoarthritis is a gradual wear-and-tear condition where the cartilage protecting your knee slowly erodes over time. Meniscus tears , in contrast, are often the result of a sudden twist or injury, or from the natural weakening of cartilage with age. MAI Motion is an innovative home-use technology designed to support rehabilitation for both of these conditions by analysing how you move and helping you personalize your recovery. In this article, we’ll look at how MAI Motion supports people with osteoarthritis and meniscus injuries , discuss how it works, summarize the research behind it, and provide tips for practical home use.

Understanding Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of knee pain, especially as we age. It occurs when the smooth cartilage cushioning the knee joint gradually deteriorates. This leads to symptoms like stiffness, swelling, and pain, which can make everyday movements —such as walking or climbing stairs—more difficult. As the protective cartilage wears away, bones may rub against each other, inflammation can develop, and the joint’s function is reduced. In the UK, knee OA is one of the top reasons for knee replacement surgeries.

Early management is crucial, and understanding how your knee moves under strain is an essential part of that process. This is where MAI Motion ’s markerless motion capture technology steps in, offering a convenient, sensor-free way to measure your movement at home. By simply using camera-based analysis, it provides therapists with valuable data on how you move, helping them tailor your rehabilitation for the best outcomes.

Exploring Meniscus Tears

The menisci are two C-shaped pieces of cartilage in your knee that act as shock absorbers and stabilisers. A meniscus tear happens when one of these cushions is damaged—often from a twisting injury during sports, or as the tissues weaken with age. Unlike osteoarthritis , a meniscus tear often brings on sharp pain, swelling, or even a sensation of the knee catching or locking. These injuries disrupt the way your knee absorbs impact and can make it difficult to perform daily activities or return to sports.

With advanced movement tracking like MAI Motion , clinicians can see exactly how your knee responds during key movements. This allows for a more targeted rehabilitation plan—addressing instability and supporting a full recovery, rather than just treating pain. For people with meniscus injuries , this tailored approach is key for restoring confidence and function.

MAI Motion: How It Works and Its Benefits

MAI Motion uses camera-based, markerless technology to analyze how your knee moves during simple movements, such as standing up from a chair. It tracks the distribution of weight and pressure, helping to identify any patterns that might contribute to pain or further injury . One of the main advantages of MAI Motion is its ability to provide personalized support—adjusting recommendations based on your unique movement patterns whether you’re dealing with osteoarthritis or a meniscus tear .

Importantly, MAI Motion can be used easily at home, without the need for wires, troublesome sensors, or frequent clinic appointments. Its accuracy and convenience make it especially helpful for ongoing knee care. Studies have found that MAI Motion captures movement data in a way that closely mirrors natural daily activity, leading to valuable insights for both patients and clinicians. Additionally, research has shown that shorter, simpler tests (such as three repetitions of sitting and standing) are just as informative as longer ones—making regular monitoring less tiring and more practical for everyday use.

What the Clinical Research Shows

Clinical evidence supports the benefits of MAI Motion for people with knee osteoarthritis and meniscus injuries . For those with osteoarthritis , studies have found significant reductions in pain, improvements in joint range of motion, and easier performance of daily activities after using the system as part of their rehabilitation. MAI Motion uses straightforward tests like the three-repetition sit-to-stand to objectively monitor progress and guide safe adjustments to your rehab plan.

For people with meniscus tears , MAI Motion helps track knee stability and highlights specific movement issues that need attention. This allows for a truly individualized therapy approach, supporting safer activity, pain relief , and better function. Overall, both groups benefit from more precise assessments and tailored exercise programs, paving the way for improved outcomes at home and in the clinic.

Using MAI Motion as Part of Your Home Care

Incorporating MAI Motion into your self-care routine is simple. Typically, you’ll use the device for 10 to 15 minutes at a time, several times per week, during everyday activities like sitting, standing, or gentle exercises. Regular use lets you and your healthcare team monitor changes in your movement and fine-tune your exercise plan as you improve.

To support your knee health further, consider adding light strengthening exercises, stretching, and maintaining a healthy weight to your routine. And if you experience increased pain or instability while using MAI Motion , always consult your healthcare provider for guidance. By putting you in control of your recovery with smart, simple technology, MAI Motion helps take the guesswork out of knee care.

Conclusion

MAI Motion is an adaptable and user-friendly tool for managing both knee osteoarthritis and meniscus tears . Its non-invasive approach provides effective pain relief, personalised function improvement, and empowers you to care for your knee health at home. If knee pain is holding you back, speak to your healthcare provider about whether MAI Motion could be part of your solution. Innovative options like this promise a bright future for accessible and personalised joint care.