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Updated: Nov 16, 2025
Measurement of Dynamic Scapular Kinematics Using an Acromion Marker Cluster to Minimize Skin Movement Artifact
Published on: February 10, 2015
Between-session reliability of skin marker-derived spinal kinematics during functional activities
Luzia Anna Niggli1, Patric Eichelberger2, Christian Bangerter2
1Bern University of Applied Science, Department of Health Professions, Division of Physiotherapy, Spinal Movement Biomechanics Group, Bern, Switzerland; ETH Zurich, Department of Health Science and Technology, Zurich, Switzerland.
Skin marker analysis shows reliable sagittal spinal movement between sessions, but less so for frontal and transverse planes during dynamic activities. This impacts tracking treatment effects in spinal conditions.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Kinesiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Skin marker-based analysis offers a promising, non-invasive method for quantifying spinal movement in clinical research.
- Day-to-day variations in spinal kinematics can stem from soft tissue artifacts, marker placement errors, or biological variability, complicating treatment effect assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the between-session reliability of three-dimensional (3D) spinal kinematics derived from skin markers during various functional activities.
- To determine the impact of measurement session separation on the accuracy and consistency of spinal motion analysis.
Main Methods:
- Twenty healthy adults underwent two measurement sessions 7-10 days apart.
- Participants performed functional tasks (sitting, standing, walking, running, etc.) while 3D motion capture recorded marker trajectories.
- Sagittal, frontal, and transverse spinal plane angles were calculated; reliability was assessed using T-tests, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), and minimal detectable changes (MDCs).
Main Results:
- High reliability was observed for sagittal plane spinal curvature angles across all tested activities.
- Frontal and transverse plane angles demonstrated lower reliability during walking and running activities.
- Minimal detectable changes (MDCs) were generally below 15°, though relative values varied significantly (10-750%).
Conclusions:
- Skin marker-based 3D spinal kinematics show good between-session reliability for sagittal plane movements.
- Clinicians and researchers should exercise caution when interpreting frontal and transverse plane spinal motion data, especially during dynamic tasks like walking and running.
- These findings are crucial for establishing reliable protocols for monitoring treatment interventions in spinal pathologies.
