Finite helical axis for the analysis of joint kinematics: comparison of an electromagnetic and an optical motion capture system

Authors

  • Corrado Cescon Rehabilitation Research Laboratory, Department of Business Economics, Health and Social Care, University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI), Manno, Switzerland
  • Andrea Tettamanti Laboratory of Analysis and Rehabilitation of Motor Function, Neuroscience Division, San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
  • Marco Barbero Rehabilitation Research Laboratory, Department of Business Economics, Health and Social Care, University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI), Manno, Switzerland
  • Roberto Gatti Laboratory of Analysis and Rehabilitation of Motor Function, Neuroscience Division, San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1186/s40945-015-0008-7

Keywords:

Finite helical axis, Motion capture, Kinematics, Electromagnetic sensors, Optoelectronic systems

Abstract

Background: The analysis of joints kinematics is important in clinical practice and in research. Nowadays it is possible to evaluate the mobility of joints in vivo with different motion capture techniques available in the market. Optical systems use infrared cameras and reflective markers to evaluate body movements, while other systems use electromagnetic fields to detect position and orientation of sensors. The aim of this study was the evaluation of two motion capture systems based on different technologies (optical and electromagnetic) by comparing the distribution of finite helical axis (FHA) of rotation during controlled rotations of an object in different positions. Methods: The distribution of position and angle errors of the FHA were extracted by optical and electromagnetic system recordings during a controlled rotation of a low friction stool in different positions in a controlled environment. Results: The optical motion capture system showed lower angle and position errors in the distribution of FHA while the electromagnetic system had higher errors that increased with increasing distance from the antenna. Conclusions: The optical system showed lower errors in the estimation of FHA that could make it preferable with respect to electromagnetic systems during joint kinematics.

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Published

2015-08-25

How to Cite

Cescon, C., Tettamanti, A., Barbero, M., & Gatti, R. (2015). Finite helical axis for the analysis of joint kinematics: comparison of an electromagnetic and an optical motion capture system. Archives of Physiotherapy, 5(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40945-015-0008-7

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Research Article

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