Revolutionising Knee Surgery Prehab: A Data-Driven Approach with MAI Motion

With the number of knee surgeries on the rise, ensuring patients recover well after their operations is becoming more crucial than ever. One key step in this process is prehab—the preparation that happens before surgery. Prehab focuses on building muscle strength and improving joint mobility , giving patients the best possible head start for their recovery. MAI Motion , an innovative markerless motion-capture system, is taking prehab to the next level by making it more accurate and tailored to each patient. By collecting detailed movement data without the need for cumbersome sensors, MAI Motion empowers clinicians to design prehab programs that truly fit each patient's needs. This article explains how MAI Motion delivers clear, data-driven insights for strength preparation, sets realistic recovery plans, and creates a more effective and motivating experience before surgery.

What is Prehab, and Why Does It Matter?

Prehab—short for prehabilitation—means getting your body ready for surgery through targeted exercises and activities. Its central aim is to strengthen the muscles around the knee and make the joint as flexible as possible. This preparation can lower the risk of complications and lead to a smoother, faster recovery.

A successful prehab program starts by understanding where the patient is right now. Collecting initial measurements—known as baseline metrics—helps assess range of motion, muscle function, and balance. For example: How far can the knee bend? Are the supporting muscles strong and responsive? How stable is the lower leg during movement? These details allow clinicians to focus on areas needing improvement, making exercise programs specific and purposeful. By building prehab around these metrics, recovery becomes more targeted and more effective.

How MAI Motion Captures Meaningful Baseline Data

MAI Motion uses state-of-the-art markerless motion capture technology. Rather than sticking sensors onto the patient, it relies on a simple RGB-D camera (which records color and depth) to track joint movement in three dimensions as the patient moves naturally.

One key assessment is the sit-to-stand (STS) test, in which the patient stands up from a seated position several times. MAI Motion gathers precise data from just three repetitions, making the test quick and less tiring while still providing reliable information. Research confirms that this 3× sit-to-stand protocol delivers biomechanical data just as accurate as longer test methods. The system tracks important movement details like knee flexion (how much the knee bends), hip control, and ankle stability. To ensure the information is trustworthy, MAI Motion uses a statistical approach called the coefficient of variation (CV) to check the consistency of each measurement. This fast, detailed process gives clinicians a clearer picture of a patient’s strengths and weaknesses, forming the foundation for a truly individualized prehab plan.

MAI Motion ’s accessibility and proven reliability make it an excellent choice for everyday clinical use, offering a simpler and more sensitive alternative to traditional, expensive motion capture systems.

Turning Data into Personalised Strength Preparation

Once MAI Motion has collected these detailed baseline metrics, clinicians use the insights to design a strength preparation program that fits each patient. The focus is on targeted exercises to build muscle and improve joint control where it’s needed most.

For instance, if the quadriceps (front thigh muscles) are weak, exercises like chair sits can help strengthen them by practicing controlled knee extensions . If the hamstrings need improvement, bridging exercises target those muscles at the back of the thigh. Simple balance drills, like standing on one leg, can boost stability and proprioception (knowing where your body is in space). The program uses the principle of progressive overload—gradually increasing repetitions, sets, or frequency—to support steady progress without risking injury.

Crucially, this technology keeps the focus on the patient. Constant feedback allows clinicians to update exercises as progress is made, ensuring that each program adapts to the individual’s needs. This results in a flexible, patient-centered approach that builds strength and confidence as surgery approaches.

Motivation and Progress: Setting Expectations Together

Being clear about what to expect during prehab can make a big difference in patient motivation. Knowing typical timelines for regaining strength, mobility, and comfort helps set goals that feel achievable.

MAI Motion makes tracking progress simple and objective. By repeating the 3× sit-to-stand test during each prehab session, patients and clinicians can see measurable improvements over time. The technology automatically analyzes movement data and generates easy-to-understand clinical reports. For patients, seeing steady improvement—even small gains—can be hugely encouraging. Recognizing and celebrating these milestones keeps motivation high and helps patients stick with their prehab programs. Transparent, ongoing feedback also strengthens the partnership between clinician and patient, making recovery a shared, data-driven journey.

Bringing Data-Driven Prehab into Everyday Care—And Beyond

The benefits of data-powered prehab using systems like MAI Motion are substantial. Research shows that well-crafted prehab programs can shorten hospital stays and reduce the risk of complications, which helps both patients and healthcare providers.

MAI Motion stands out because it delivers high-quality biomechanical data with a faster, more accessible process. Looking to the future, this technology is paving the way for remote assessment and rehabilitation . The MAI Motion app will soon allow patients to capture movement data at home, using only their smartphone cameras. This opens the door to virtual prehab, making personalized preparation available to more people, wherever they are. As telehealth and artificial intelligence continue to evolve, we may soon see fully adapted, real-time exercise programs created from home-based movement data, taking personalized prehab to a whole new level.

In summary, MAI Motion ’s precise baseline measurements are transforming knee surgery prehab from a generic process into a personalized and measurable journey. This new approach delivers targeted strength preparation, clear recovery expectations, and a way to track every step toward recovery. Both clinicians and patients can feel confident embracing this next-generation prehab, powered by smart technology and a data-driven mindset for better surgical readiness and faster, smoother recovery.