Performance of a lateral pelvic cluster technical system in evaluating running kinematics

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Gait Analysis
• Motion Capture

Background:

• Accurate measurement of pelvic and hip angles is crucial for analyzing gait, especially during posterior load carriage.
• Traditional pelvic marker placement can be occluded or displaced by loads, compromising data validity.
• Lateral pelvic clusters offer a potential solution, but their validity during high-impact activities like running requires investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To validate the use of lateral pelvic clusters for tracking pelvic motion.
• To compare the accuracy of lateral pelvic clusters against International Society of Biomechanics (ISB) recommended marker systems during running.
• To assess the suitability of lateral pelvic clusters for measuring pelvic and hip kinematics in the presence of posterior loads.

Main Methods:

• Six participants performed overground running at a self-selected speed.
• Three-dimensional motion capture and force plates were utilized to record kinematic and kinetic data.
• Two pelvic marker protocols were compared: ISB standard (iliac spines) and lateral pelvic clusters.

Main Results:

• The coefficient of multiple correlation indicated good to excellent agreement between the two marker protocols.
• Both marker systems demonstrated similar sensitivity in capturing three-dimensional pelvic and hip angles during the stance phase.
• Lateral pelvic clusters provided reliable kinematic data comparable to the ISB method.

Conclusions:

• Lateral pelvic clusters are a valid method for measuring pelvic and hip kinematics during running.
• This technique is suitable even when posterior load carriage is involved in the gait task.
• Lateral pelvic clusters offer a viable alternative to ISB marker systems, particularly when load occlusion is a concern.