OpenCap: Advanced Motion Analysis for Research and Rehabilitation

OpenCap is an open-source, research-grade biomechanics platform developed at Stanford University that enables precise, real-time motion data collection and analysis using iOS devices. Designed for professionals in sports science and rehabilitation, it offers seamless video synchronization, automatic kinematic computation, and musculoskeletal force analysis via cloud-based dynamic simulation—all while ensuring HIPAA-compliant security through encrypted data handling and AWS infrastructure. With a quick 5-minute setup and publicly available source code and analysis scripts, OpenCap empowers users to conduct high-quality biomechanical research with accessible, scalable technology.

Key Features:

• Synchronous Video Capture: Record motion data using iPods, iPhones, and iPads via a dedicated iOS app.
• Cloud-Based Kinematic Analysis: Automatically computes kinematics in the cloud for accurate movement tracking.
• Dynamic Simulation for Forces: Calculates musculoskeletal forces using advanced biomechanical modeling.
• HIPAA-Compliant Security: Data encrypted in transit and at rest using AWS infrastructure.
• Fast Setup: Complete data collection configuration in just 5 minutes.
• Open Source & Transparent: Full source code and analysis scripts are publicly available.
• Web App Visualization: Secure web interface for recording, viewing, and analyzing motion data.
• Validation Against Gold Standards: Results validated against marker-based motion capture and force plates.
• Educational Resources: Webinars and tutorials available on YouTube for learning and research.
• Community Support: Technical questions can be addressed through an active project forum.

Pricing: OpenCap is offered as a free, open-source tool with no paid tiers or subscriptions, making it accessible to researchers and practitioners worldwide.

Conclusion: OpenCap stands out as a powerful, secure, and scientifically validated tool for motion analysis, combining open-source transparency with cutting-edge biomechanical insights—ideal for researchers, clinicians, and students advancing human performance and rehabilitation science.