Motion Energy Analysis (MEA) is an objective, automated method that continuously quantifies the amount of movement occurring within predefined regions of interest.
This page provides information about the availability of the tool and its potential applications.
Basic prerequisites for applying MEA include a static camera position, stable lighting conditions, and digitized video material or live camera input.
Screen-shot of MEA 5.01
MEA5 is available in two versions: Basic (free) and Pro.
The software is available for macOS via the Apple App Store and for Windows via direct download from this website.
I have used MEA in several empirical studies investigating nonverbal behavior in clinical settings and in healthy dyads (see the Publications section).
For detailed information, please refer to the following publications:
- Ramseyer, F. T. (2020). Motion Energy Analysis (MEA). A primer on the assessment of motion from video. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 67(4). 536-549. doi:10.1037/cou0000407
Ramseyer_JCP_MEA_special_issue_2019
Additional information, instructions, and test data are available in the accompanying project on the Open Science Framework: https://osf.io/gkzs3/
The original publication describing MEA:
- Ramseyer, F., & Tschacher, W. (2011). Nonverbal synchrony in psychotherapy: Coordinated body-movement reflects relationship quality and outcome. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 79(3), 284-295. doi:10.1037/a0023419
Nonverbal_Synchrony_Ramseyer_Tschacher_2011