An image-processing based technique to obtain instantaneous horizontal walking and running speed
Akinori Nagano1, Masahiro Fujimoto1, Shoma Kudo1
1Faculty of Sport and Health Science, Ritsumeikan University, Japan.
Gait & Posture
|October 4, 2016
Summary
A new, efficient method accurately measures instantaneous walking and running speed using simple camera footage. This technique analyzes video frame by frame for precise motion analysis in biomechanics and health studies.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Human Movement Analysis
- Sports Science
Background:
- Instantaneous walking and running speed is crucial for performance analysis in sports, rehabilitation, and elderly health.
- Speed varies within a stride, necessitating precise evaluation of body motion dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- Develop a cost- and time-efficient methodology to determine instantaneous horizontal walking and running speed.
- Validate the accuracy of the new method against established motion capture systems.
Main Methods:
- A novel five-step video processing technique was developed.
- Steps include background subtraction, filtering, binarization, coordinate transformation, and differentiation.
- High-speed camera footage is processed to extract motion data.
Main Results:
- The new method demonstrated high accuracy when compared to motion capture data.
- Average root mean squared (RMS) errors for position-time curves were 0.011m–0.033m.
- Average RMS errors for speed-time curves were 0.054m/s–0.076m/s.
Conclusions:
- The developed methodology provides accurate instantaneous walking and running speed measurements.
- This technique offers an efficient alternative for motion analysis in various fields.
- The method's accuracy supports its application in research and practical settings.
