A Statistical Model for Marker Position in Biomechanics

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to apply a general linear model in statistics to marker position vectors used to study human joint rotational motion in biomechanics.Method: For this purpose, a linear model that represents the effect of the center of hip joint rotation and the rotation of the marker position on the response was formulated. Five male subjects performed hip joint functional motions, and the positions of nine markers attached on the thigh with respect to the pelvic coordinate system were acquired at the same time. With the nine marker positions, the center of hip joint rotation and marker positions on the thigh were estimated as parameters in the general linear model. Results:After examining the fitted model, this model did not fit the data appropriately.Conclusion: A refined model is required to take into account specific characteristics of longitudinal data and other covariates such as soft tissue artefacts.