Inter-Device Reliability of a Three-Dimensional Markerless Motion Capture System Quantifying Elementary Movement Patterns in Humans

Abstract

With advancements in technology able to quantify wide-ranging features of human movement, the aim of the present study was to investigate the inter-device technological reliability of a three-dimensional markerless motion capture system (3D-MCS), quantifying different movement tasks. A total of 20 healthy individuals performed a test battery consisting of 29 different movements, from which 214 different metrics were derived. Two 3D-MCS located in close proximity were utilized to quantify movement characteristics. Independent sample t-tests with selected reliability statistics (i.e., intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), effect sizes, and mean absolute differences) were used to evaluate the agreement between the two systems. The study results suggested that 95.7% of all metrics analyzed revealed negligible or small between-device effect sizes. Further, 91.6% of all metrics analyzed showed moderate or better agreement when looking at the ICC values, while 32.2% of all metrics showed excellent agreement. For metrics measuring joint angles (198 metrics), the mean difference between systems was 2.9 degrees, while for metrics investigating distance measures (16 metrics; e.g., center of mass depth), the mean difference between systems was 0.62 cm. Caution is advised when trying to generalize the study findings beyond the specific technology and software used in this investigation. Given the technological reliability reported in this study, as well as the logistical and time-related limitations associated with marker-based motion capture systems, it may be suggested that 3D-MCS present practitioners with an opportunity to reliably and efficiently measure the movement characteristics of patients and athletes. This has implications for monitoring the health/performance of a broad range of populations.

Efficiency in Kinesiology: Innovative Approaches in Enhancing Motor Skills for Athletic Performance

“…Advancements in technology enable quantification of wide-ranging features of human movement. At variance from the study by Theodorou et al [ 7 ] which quantifies sport-specific abilities of basketball players, here Philipp et al [ 12 ] investigate technologies’ reliability prior to comparison with established industry gold standards. The Authors seek to determine the inter-device reliability between two identical markerless motion capture systems placed in close proximity (3D-MCS, DARI Motion; each composed by eight high-definition cameras recording at 60 fps).…”

Efficiency in Kinesiology: Innovative Approaches in Enhancing Motor Skills for Athletic Performance

“…Advancements in technology enable quantification of wide-ranging features of human movement. At variance from the study by Theodorou et al [7] which quantifies sportspecific abilities of basketball players, here Philipp et al [12] investigate technologies' reliability prior to comparison with established industry gold standards. The Authors seek to determine the inter-device reliability between two identical markerless motion capture systems placed in close proximity (3D-MCS, DARI Motion; each composed by eight high-definition cameras recording at 60 fps).…”