Cluster-based upper body marker models for three-dimensional kinematic analysis: Comparison with an anatomical model...

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Human Movement Analysis
• Kinesiology

Background:

• Quantifying upper body joint kinematics is crucial for assessing upper limb function.
• Traditional motion capture using anatomical landmarks has limitations like soft tissue artifacts and variability.
• Marker clusters offer a potential alternative, but their upper body application requires thorough investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare three upper body marker cluster models against an anatomical model.
• To evaluate joint angles and reliability using different calibration methods.
• To assess the accuracy and consistency of cluster-based kinematic data.

Main Methods:

• Non-disabled participants performed standardized upper limb tasks.
• Anatomical and marker cluster models were applied concurrently.
• Joint angles were compared between models, and between-session reliability was assessed.

Main Results:

• Cluster models yielded joint angles comparable and highly correlated with the anatomical model.
• Notable offsets and sensitivity differences were observed for some degrees of freedom.
• Between-session reliability was comparable across all models and generally good.

Conclusions:

• Marker cluster models provide reliable joint angles for upper body movement analysis.
• Cluster-derived data cannot be directly interchanged with anatomical model outputs for kinematic metrics.
• Cluster models are a viable alternative for assessing trends in movement behavior.