Wearable and Markerless Systems for Movement Analysis in Neurorehabilitation: From Technology Assessment to Clinical Application

Quantitative movement assessment is increasingly used in neurological rehabilitation to characterize motor impairment, monitor changes over time, and evaluate treatment response. Laboratory-based motion analysis using optoelectronic systems provides highly accurate measurements, but requires dedicated instrumentation, specialized environments, and structured acquisition protocols, which can limit repeated assessments and applications outside the laboratory.Wearable sensors and markerless motion analysis offer complementary approaches that can extend quantitative movement assessment beyond conventional laboratory settings. Wearable devices enable the collection of movement and physical activity data over prolonged periods and in real-world environments, while markerless systems can provide accessible motion analysis through video- and smartphone-based solutions. These technologies may support repeated assessment, remote monitoring, and the evaluation of motor function across different stages of neurological rehabilitation.However, their translation into clinical practice requires robust technical and clinical validation. Accuracy against established reference systems, reliability across different motor tasks and pathological movement patterns, responsiveness to clinically meaningful changes, and the identification of robust digital outcomes remain key challenges. Evidence is also needed on their applicability in patient populations and less controlled environments.This Research Topic will focus on the development, validation, and clinical application of wearable and markerless technologies for quantitative movement assessment in neurorehabilitation. Particular interest will be given to Parkinson’s disease and post-stroke populations, while studies involving other neurological conditions are also welcome. The aim is to bring together technical and clinical research, with particular attention to the reliability and clinical relevance of technology-derived measures, from validation against established reference systems to patient assessment, rehabilitation monitoring, and real-world movement analysis.We welcome articles addressing the following themes:• Technical and clinical validation of wearable and markerless technologies;• Accuracy, reliability, and responsiveness of technology-derived measures;• Quantitative assessment of gait, balance, mobility, postural control, and upper-limb function;• Applications in Parkinson’s disease, post-stroke rehabilitation, and other neurological conditions;• Monitoring of functional recovery, rehabilitation outcomes, and treatment response;• Remote, home-based, and free-living movement assessment;• Integration of technology-derived measures into clinical and rehabilitation practice. Topic editors: Serena Cerfoglio, Veronica Cimolin, Gianluca Amprimo, Claudia Santos Oliveira Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/85993/wearable-and-markerless-systems-for-movement-analysis-in-neurorehabilitation-from-technology-assessment-to-clinical-application