Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 28, 2026
Using Gold-standard Gait Analysis Methods to Assess Experience Effects on Lower-limb Mechanics During Moderate High-heeled Jogging and Running
Published on: September 14, 2017
Accuracy of markerless motion capture in assessing sagittal-plane lower limb kinematics during running: a systematic
Ming Gao1, Yilin An1, Conghua Feng2
1Shandong Sport University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
Background:
Markerless motion capture (MMC) systems have gained increasing attention in sports science and clinical assessment. However, their accuracy in measuring sagittal-plane lower limb kinematics during running remains unclear.
Methods:
A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted following established guidelines. MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched for studies comparing MMC with marker-based systems (MBSs). Data were analyzed using a random-effects model in R 4.3.3. Risk of bias was assessed using the COSMIN Risk of Bias checklist for measurement error and the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist for Analytical Cross-Sectional Studies. Heterogeneity, sensitivity analyses, and publication bias (Egger's and Begg's tests) were also evaluated. Subgroup analyses were conducted to explore potential sources of technical heterogeneity according to sampling frame rate, number of cameras, and running condition.
Results:
A total of 8 studies were included in this analysis. The pooled root mean square error (RMSE) was 3.84° (95% CI: 2.53-5.15°) for the hip, 4.30° (95% CI: 2.55-6.05°) for the knee, and 3.93° (95% CI: 2.29-5.58°) for the ankle. These findings indicated relatively small measurement errors for sagittal-plane lower limb kinematics, although the magnitude and uncertainty of errors varied across joints. Sensitivity analyses generally supported the robustness of the findings. For knee joint kinematics, funnel plot asymmetry tests did not provide statistically significant evidence of publication bias; however, given the limited number of studies, these findings should be interpreted cautiously. Subgroup analyses indicated that technical characteristics had joint-specific effects on MMC-derived kinematic errors, with no consistent advantage observed for higher frame rates or greater camera numbers.
Conclusion:
The included MMC systems showed relatively small measurement errors for sagittal-plane lower limb kinematics during running. These findings are specific to the MMC technologies and running conditions evaluated in this review.
