92542 Applied

Biomechanics
Lab 7 Worksheet

University of Technology Sydney 1

UTS CRICOS 00099F
 Contents
Contents 2

Introduction 3
Motion Capture Systems 3
Measurement Volume 3
Camera Set-Up 3
Marker Sets 3
Gait Cycle 4

Activity 1 – Marker Application 5

Equipment 5
Procedure 5

Activity 2 – Calibration 6
Equipment 6
Procedure 6

Activity 3 – Data Collection 7

Equipment 7
Procedure 7

Activity 4 – Calculating Temporal Parameters of Gait 8

Activity 5 – Interpreting Graphical Data 10

Discussion 13

Tables
Table 1: Lower body marker set for 3D motion analysis 5
Table 2: Recorded temporal variables from 3D capture of normal and antalgic (braced) walking gait 8
Table 3: Calculated temporal variables for normal and antalgic (braced) walking gait 9

University of Technology Sydney 2

 Introduction
Motion Capture Systems
Motion Capture Systems use high speed digital cameras to precisely capture the
motion of an object with passive or active markers attached. The technology is precise
and robust and delivers high quality data to the computer in real-time. Software tools
make it easy to perform both basic motion calculations such as speed, acceleration,
rotations and angles, as well as highly complex calculations such as Model Builder.
Optical Motion Capture is widely accepted and in daily use all over the world. It enables
the capture of motions that would be difficult to measure in other ways.

Measurement Volume
The modular measurement system consists of two or more cameras, each emitting a
beam of infrared light. Small reflective markers are placed on the object or person to be
measured. The camera emits infrared light and the markers reflect it back to the
camera. The camera uses the reflected data to calculate the position of the targets with
high spatial resolution. Multiple cameras and advanced, user-friendly software can then
be combined to provide both 2D and 3D data.
The cameras should be arranged to cover the entire measurement volume. The
cameras must be mounted firmly on tripods or other stable structures which isolate the
camera from movements or vibrations of any kind. For 3D measurement, the system
needs to be calibrated. A “wand” is simply moved around in the volume while a
stationary reference object in the volume defines the coordinate system for the motion
capture. The calibration is finished after approximately 30 seconds up to several
minutes, depending on the size of the measurement volume.

Camera Set-Up
3D motion capture requires 2 or more cameras. Today, we are using a Qualysis
system with 20 cameras. Cameras should be set up so that markers are visible by as
many cameras as possible at all times. They should be set as high as possible and
angled down for the best field of view and to ensure that reflections from other camera
lenses are minimised. Cameras are connected via cables which are then connected to
the computer and analysis software. This allows synchronisation of cameras.

Marker Sets
There are two types of markers: passive markers and active markers. A passive
marker reflects the Infrared light from the camera flash, while an active marker
transmits Infrared light. Today we will use passive markers.
Markers are positioned on specific bodily landmarks which are later used to create
computer models of the body, segment or object that you have captured. In order to
correctly select and position your markers, it is important to have a sound
understanding of both anatomy, and the model building process. Researchers should
also consider the activity or movement that will be performed and attach markers
accordingly to ensure they are secure without restricting movement.

University of Technology Sydney 3

 Gait Cycle
Walking may be one of the most common movements that humans perform, but it is a
complicated motion. Human walking requires the coordination of muscles in order to
propel the body forwards whilst maintaining balance and stability in response to
external forces.
Gait is a cyclic activity and can be divided into discrete phases. It is assumed that one
step is essentially the same as the next, therefore measurement of particular
parameters within each phase of one gait cycle can give us information about overall
walking or running performance.
Each gait cycle has three functional goals:
1. Weight acceptance
2. Single limb support
3. Limb advancement
By breaking the gait cycle into discrete phases, we are able to more directly identify the
functional significance of each of the movements performed by individual segments
and joints. Gait analysis allows us to study the mechanics of optimal gait movements
and can give us a better understanding of pathologies that affect gait efficiency.

University of Technology Sydney 4

 Activity 1 – Marker Application
Equipment
• 18 single retro-reflective markers
• 5 clusters of retro-reflective markers
• Double-sided tape
• Fixomull
• Tensospray
• Scissors

Procedure
Using tensospray, double sided tape and fixomull, students will attach markers to one
volunteer, using the guidelines below.

Table 1: Lower body marker set for 3D motion analysis

Marker Types Marker Location (Right) Marker Location (Left)

Right ASIS
Right lateral epicondyle of
the femur
Right medial epicondyle of
the femur
Right lateral malleolus
Single markers
Right medial malleolus
Right toe (base of 3rd
metatarsal)
Right heel (calcaneus)
Right midfoot lateral
Right midfoot medial
Right thigh
Cluster markers Right shank
Pelvis (includes sacrum marker)
Left ASIS
Left lateral epicondyle of
the femur
Left medial epicondyle of
the femur
Left lateral malleolus
Left medial malleolus
Left toe (base of 3rd
metatarsal)
Left heel (calcaneus)
Left midfoot lateral
Left midfoot medial
Left thigh
Left shank

University of Technology Sydney 5

 Activity 2 – Calibration
There are several methods of calibrating the system. In today’s class you will use the
wand calibration method. Wand calibration uses two objects to calibrate the system.
One is a stationary L-shaped reference structure with four markers attached to it. The
stationary L-structure defines the origin and orientation of the coordinate system that is
to be used with the camera system. The other calibrating object is referred to as the
calibration wand. It consists of two markers located a fixed distance from each other.
This object is moved in the measurement volume to generate data to determine the
locations and orientations of the cameras.

Equipment
• 20-camera Qualisys system
• L-shaped rigid calibration frame (4 markers)
• Calibration wand (2 markers)

Procedure
To calibrate the measurement volume:
1. Place the L-shaped calibration frame at the lab origin (0,0,0 point). The x-axis
should align with the approximate plane of motion.
2. Set the calibration wand length on the motion capture software.
3. Stand in the measurement volume with the calibration wand. Once the computer
operator starts the calibration function, move wand around the measurement
volume when instructed until the capture finishes.
4. Make sure you calibrated the entire volume within which the movement will occur.
Take care to ensure you wave the wand as close to the ground as possible.

To calibrate the marker set:

1. Have the subject to stand in the calibrated measurement volume with markers in
place. The subject should stand in anatomical position, with the arms abducted
slightly.
2. Approximately 10 seconds of motion capture reads the position of the markers to
determine the position of joint markers with reference to cluster markers.
3. Markers may be labelled on data collection software.

University of Technology Sydney 6

 Activity 3 – Data Collection
Equipment
• 20 camera Qualisys system

Procedure
1. Have the subject start outside the calibrated volume.
2. For trial 1, the subject will be asked to walk at their preferred speed. They will be
asked to commence walking outside of the calibrated volume and walk freely
through the measurement volume. Once steady-state walking has been achieved,
the computer operator will capture approximately 5 seconds of data.
3. Repeat for a further 2 trials.

University of Technology Sydney 7

 Activity 4 – Calculating Temporal
Parameters of Gait
Table 2 presents some temporal data recorded from some sample trials of the following
scenarios:
1. A person walking at a self-selected pace with their natural gait
2. The same person walking at a self-selected pace with an antalgic (painful) gait

Table 2: Recorded temporal variables from 3D capture of normal and antalgic

(braced) walking gait

Variable Normal gait Antalgic gait

Left heel-strike time (LHS1) 1.71 s 1.54 s

Right heel-strike time (RHS1) 2.27 s 2.12 s

Left toe-off time (LTO1) 2.37 s 2.25 s

Left heel-strike time (LHS2) 2.82 s 2.60 s

Right toe-off time (RTO1) 2.95 s 2.72 s

Right heel-strike time (RHS2) 3.38 s 3.20 s

Using the data in Table 2, calculate the additional temporal variables listed in Table 3.
Instructions for how to calculate each variable are included under the description.

University of Technology Sydney 8

 Table 3: Calculated temporal variables for normal and antalgic (braced) walking
gait

Variable Normal gait Antalgic gait

Left stance time (LST) 0.66 0.71
(LTO1 – LHS1)

Right stance time (RST) 0.68 0.6

(RTO1 – RHS1)

Left swing time (LSW) 0.45 0.35

(LHS2 – LTO1)

Right swing time (RSW) 0.43 0.48

(RHS2 – RTO1)

Left stride time (LSTR) 1.11 1.06

(LHS2 – LHS1)

Right stride time (RSTR) 1.11 1.08

(RHS2 – RHS1)

Left stance % (LST%) 59.46 66.98%

(LST/LSTR*100)

Right stance % (RST%) 61.26 33.02%

(RST/RSTR*100)

Left swing % (LSW%) 40.54 67: 33

(LSW/LSTR*100)

Right swing % (RSW%) 38.738 44.44

(RSW/RSTR*100)

Left stance to swing ratio 59:41 67: 33

(LST%:LSW%)

Right stance to swing ratio 61:739 62.96 : 44.44

(RST%:RSW%)

Step 1 time (ST1) 0.56 0.58

(RHS1 – LHS1)

Step 2 time (ST2) 0.55 0.48

(LHS2 – RHS1)

Step 3 time (ST3) 0.56 0.60

(RHS2 – LHS2)

Average step time (STAV) 0.56s 0.55

((ST1+ST2+ST3)/3)

Cadence (1/STAV)
1.80 step/s 1.81 steps

University of Technology Sydney 9

 Activity 5 – Interpreting Graphical Data

Figure 1: Pelvic obliquity during normal and antalgic walking gait

Figure 2: Pelvic rotation during normal and antalgic walking gait

University of Technology Sydney 10

 Figure 3: Knee flexion during normal walking gait

Figure 4: Knee flexion during antalgic walking gait

University of Technology Sydney 11

 1. With reference to Figures 1 and 2, describe the difference in pelvic movement during
normal and antalgic walking gait.
in antalgic, theres no pattern ie patterns are varied
- dotted lines are below zero (negative), right hip is above the left hip all the
time
in normal gait, patterns are consistent.

in pelvic roation, movment patterns are similar, light hip forward is a few
degrees less due to stance to swing ration - more swing on one side than the
other

2. On figure 3, identify and indicate the stance and swing phases for each leg during
normal walking gait.

3. With reference to Figures 3 and 3, describe the differences in knee flexion during
normal and antalgic walking gait.
left leg is hyperextending in antalgic gait

University of Technology Sydney 12

 Discussion
1. In comparison to 2D motion analysis, what are the advantages and disadvantages of
3D motion analysis?

Advantages of 3DMA Disadvantages of 3DMA

markers are not blocked - many

camera angles

more deitailed anyslsis

cost
multiplainer movements
accessability
compelx movements
time

expertise

2. The normal ratio of stance to swing during walking is 60:40. Based on the data from
activity 4, how does antalgic gait affect this ratio?
stance to swing 60:40

shift in oppostie direction = create a symetry

University of Technology Sydney 13